Karen Grigsby Bates

Many African-Americans keep guns for self-defense, dating back to Emancipation. But the shooting in Dallas, and recent killings of black men by police, have raised hard questions for black gun owners.

African Americans have always kept guns for self defense. The recent shootings in Dallas, and the killings of young black men by police, are once again raising questions about who should own guns.

Brown was one of the last surviving "Red Tail" pilots of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. These African-American pilots served in World War II, laying the foundation for integrating the U.S. armed forces.

Roscoe Brown, one of the legendary black aviators known as the Tuskegee Airmen, died this weekend at the age of 94. NPR's Code Switch offers a tribute to Brown and explores the Airmen's place in history.

In her new novel, I Almost Forgot About You, McMillan's heroine confronts midlife malaise by reconnecting with men from her past.

Juneteenth, the day when many African-Americans mark the end of slavery, is also associated with traditional foods from the black community. One woman wants to revive a traditional treat: tea cakes.

Ebony and Jet were once recognized worldwide as chroniclers of the black American experience — especially black achievement. Johnson Publishing is selling the magazines to black venture capitalists.

It wasn't what you think, but it was certainly a story. I was lucky enough to meet him a few times over several decades, but the first time was the most memorable.

He was a great athlete and humanitarian. He was also a symbol of defiance for black men around the world.

Muhammad Ali is being remembered as a great athlete and humanitarian. Black Americans — especially men — are fond of another Ali: the one who spoke truth to power, even at tremendous personal cost.

In fashion, most first ladies have worshiped at the altar of "The Suit." Michelle Obama transformed American fashion by favoring dresses, moderately-priced brands, and simple basics like the cardigan.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio's been getting dragged for joking about "CPT." Once more, with gusto: When it comes to terms like this, context matters. Who's saying it, where and to whom?

Don Cheadle personifies jazz genius Miles Davis in his new film Miles Ahead. Badass black men rarely show up as leads in mainstream movies.

The release of the new Miles Davis biopic shows a Davis that was assertive and assured. Assertive black men are seldom portrayed in film. We look back at who some of them are and the impact they made.

Beyonce's Formation video has shocked some who were unaware she was a political activist. She is just the latest in a long line of black entertainers who have been involved with political causes.

A new book, Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X, explores how faith brought two African-American icons together and eventually tore their relationship apart.

After a tumultuous season, the NFL condemned domestic violence in its ranks, and put a spotlight on the issue during the last Super Bowl. A year later, it's unclear whether that has made a difference.

A Voice You Can Feel

Morris Robinson has the kind of bass voice that reverberates so strongly you feel it in your concert seat. Listening to it, you assume he's been singing all of his life. And he has — but not opera.

Robinson grew up in Atlanta, the son ...

Once Morris Robinson dreamed of fame on the football field. Now, he's moving audiences across the world with the power of his voice, and changing the face of opera.

Shawn Amos had a Los Angeles childhood that was equal parts grit and glamor. He went to private schools and lived in a nice house, but it wasn't exactly in Mr. Rogers' neighborhood.

"I grew up waiting for a carpool with hookers who knew me by name, drug ...