EDITORIAL

A new maturity

President Barack Obama inspires hope in citizens with his eloquent rhetoric and he generates confidence with his stalwart demeanor. But he has made it clear in his speeches that he demands more from Americans. More »

Black jockeys - A forgotten story

Very few African Americans are aware that blacks once ruled "the sport of kings." Plantation owners once had their slaves tend to their race horses. It was natural, therefore, that the outstanding jockeys would be black. Crystal Hubbard tells the story of one of these forgotten athletes in her book, "The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby." More »

OPINION

Rushing to lock up kids is bad social and fiscal policy

Late one afternoon in October, Juan, a 15-year-old sophomore at an Essex County high school, failed to return home from school. His mother, Gloria, started calling his friends to find out where he was. More »

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Why Black History Month matters

I am enraged that the Banner's Feb. 12, 2009, issue posed the question, "Is it time to end Black History Month?" Feminists would never consider ending March as Women's History Month to appease males of all races, nationalities and ethnic groups. More »

ROVING CAMERA

Should credit scores be used as a part of the hiring process?

I don't think it's fair. It promotes putting people down, it doesn't encourage people to reform, and it's a systematic way to discriminate and oppress. More »