African American Culture Site
	Ruthe McDonald BellaOnline's African American Culture Editor

A Year In Retrospect
A year ago, we watched as the first African American man was sworn into the highest office in the land: President of the United States. With that came a sense of hope, pride, inspiration and a feeling of change. How many of us still feel the same? What are we looking for in this coming year?

Accepting Who You Are
Why do we put so much emphasis on what someone else says about us? It is time to accept who we are, and recognize the treasure that is in us.

Can Right of Freedom of Speech Cross the Line
When we exercise our right of Freedom of Speech, there is responsibility that comes with it…and consequences.

Celebrating The Life You Have
Your life is worth celebrating. No matter where you are in life, there is something you have to be thankful for. So start celebrating the wonder of you.

Creating Memories Through Food
What is more precious than creating fond memories with the ones you love? Doing it through food! Here is a list of my favorite recipe articles to help you create your own family memories for the holidays. Enjoy!

Easter Memories
Easter is a week away. A great opportunity to get together, share good food, fond memories, and make new memories. What do you remember the most about your family gatherings? Was it the food or the many traditions, or memories you have?

Education is More Than Knowledge...It is Power
With knowledge comes power. And, with that power is responsibility. An education can be gained through many facets: home, school, the street, life. It is what we do with what we have learned that will make a profound difference, not only in our own lives, but in the lives of those around us.

Election Day Knowledge
It is Election Day again. It is vital that we know why and who we are voting for. be an informed voter, and make the best decision on what is best not only for you and your family. But your community as a whole.

Get Involved This School Year
Do something this school year by becoming proactively involved in the education process. Get involved. Do something. Ensure that our children received the best education that they have a right to.

Giving in the African American Community
As we look over our history as a culture, African American’s have been strong in the area of giving. Our ancestors understood what it meant to give. Many shared and had a spirit of giving because that is what kept us alive. It was a way of life. What are we doing to keep that spirit alive?

Governing of the People Bypassed by Politics
The numbers do not lie. Politicking has overshadowed the governing of our people. African American and Latino households are facing the most egregious times should things continue as they are. We must begin by taking a stand for change and recognize what all the political fights are really about.

I Just Want To Know
I just want to know what is on the hearts and minds of those that say they love and care. And for those that say they love God and desire to see His will be done.

Is There Closure With The Death of Bin Laden?
Almost ten years, horrific wars, grand destruction, loss of precious life—Osama Bin Laden is dead. The mastermind behind one of the most horrendous, terrorist attack on American soil now rests at the bottom of the sea.

Letting Go of the Past
What a terrific way to start the New Year; by letting go of the past. As we embark on a New Year, let us remember the lessons of the past, but not linger on the mistakes and failures. Take what you've learned and create a 2011 that will launch you into your destiny.

Looking Ahead
As we celebrate Black History, we can take a page from the books of those who have gone before us—never lose hope for a better tomorrow.

Preparing For The Holidays
There's more than one way to prepare for the holidays. Is your heart being prepared to give?

Slavery Still Exists
We cannot afford for another generation to be continued repeat offenders; either dying behind prison bars, or killing each other on the streets.

So It's The End of The World
If you knew you had but mere hours to live—what would you do? If you knew that tomorrow would never come; how would you live today?

Something's On My Mind
Taking the time out to appreciate the people in our lives; regardless to what is going on around us. Sometimes we just need to know we are appreciated.

The Black Vote
There is just a mere fifty days or so until election day is here. And how we vote will determine who will represent us; our communities; our voice; our choices.

The Courage of Our Civil War Soldiers
Is the same courage and conviction present in our lives as it were in our soldiers of the Civil War?

This Christmas
This Christmas maybe you can give someone the gift of hope. An opportunity to celebrate the small things and steps being made, that will eventually lead to bigger steps and changes. Yes. Hope. It goes a long way.

We Can Still Learn From Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
As we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we still have much we can learn from the man, the messenger, the Prophet, the teacher. How many of us continue to teach the next generation of what Dr. King stood for? Are we living the dream or still trying to reach it?

What Do Your Footprints Say About You?
We have the ability to leave an indelible mark in this world. We have the power to shape generations after generations. What is your life teaching those that follow you? What do your footprints say about you?