Politics. On Point.

The Wilder Anniversary Committee will commemorate the election of the nation's first popularly elected African-American governor with an educational symposium followed by a formal gala. Wilder, who blazed the trail well before his election as Virginia’s 66th Governor—becoming the first African-American legislator to serve in the State Senate since Reconstruction in 1969 and the first African-American lieutenant governor of the commonwealth in 1985 will be honored. The Wilder Anniversary Gala will be held from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Richmond Marriott located at 500 E. Broad Street. For info click here .

From White House Press Release   U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius joined the NAACP on Wednesday in an online video conversation to discuss the benefits of enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace. During the Google+ Hangout , moderated by NAACP Senior Director of Health Programs Shavon Arline-Bradley, Secretary Sebelius addressed questions related to important Affordable Care Act deadlines, out-of-pocket expenses and health coverage for college students.   Secretary Sebelius also discussed the millions of people who could gain affordable coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. She highlighted the protections for consumers, including Insurance companies that can no longer charge women more or deny anyone coverage because of pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.   “Those days are over. It’s a brand new day. And we’re in the middle of an open enrollment period right now so people ...

Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint fifteen individuals to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans.  This Commission is charged with strengthening the nation by improving educational outcomes for African Americans to ensure that all African Americans receive an education that prepares them for college, productive careers, and satisfying lives.  This mission is part of the Administration’s broader mandate to restore the country to its role as the global leader in education.  These members will advise the President and the Secretary of Education on ways to advance federal programs that improve educational opportunities for African Americans, increase participation of the African American community in federal agency programs, and engage stakeholders in a national dialogue on the mission.   President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to the President’s Commission on Ed...

September 15, 2013 will mark the 50th anniversary of the tragic deaths of Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley in Birmingham, Alabama. The four girls, aged 11-14, were entering a Sunday school class when a planted bomb exploded at the city’s historically African American 16th Street Baptist Church. This act of racially-motivated violence galvanized the Civil Rights Movement and sparked a surge of momentum that helped secure the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.     To commemorate their lives, U.S. Representative Terri Sewell introduced H.R. 360 to posthumously award Addie Mae, Denise, Carole and Cynthia with the Congressional Gold Medal, which along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, is considered one of the highest civilian honors bestowed in the United States. The bill required the Secretary of the Treasury – and by extension, the United States Mint – to strike the gold medal, as well as bronze duplicates. Afte...

Democracy Now has reaction from Latinos on President Obama's latest effort to shield the Latino population from being deported from U.S. soil. The report also has a Washington Post reporter speaking out, actually coming out, about his illegal status and also working and going to school in the United States. Watch below as Representative Luis Gutierrez, head of the Latino Democractic Caucus  speaks on the subject of immigration.  Gutierrez represents a district in Chicago the hometown of the president where the city has shown an increase of Black on Black crime this year. Last weekend nearly 8 people were killed , and scores of others wounded in a deadly display of random gunfire across the city. While many Latinos take to the street to celebrate what many see as a victory for the Latin American community, the African American community, again, take to the streets to have their concerns addressed, protesting in New York against the city's...

Mending our nation’s immigration policy, to make it more fair, more efficient, and more just. President Barack Obama gave US workers a slap in the face today when he announced that illegal immigrants will be able to stay legally in America and find work. Work, that for millions of Americans who are here legally, can't find. This is the president's latest gift to the Latina community. Throughout his presidency he has consistently pandered to the demands Latinas.  He's spoken at several events featuring Latinos such as the Forum On American Latino Heritage, and the Congressio​nal Hispanic Caucus Institute 34th Annual Awards Gala. Speaking in July of 2011 to the National Council of La Raza  the president made remarks about having many Latinos working in his Cabinet.  "Right off the bat, I should thank you because I have poached quite a few of your alumni to work in my administration .  They're all doing outstanding work.  Raul...