Theresa Dear

Perspective

5 of my favorite American heroes you might not know about

It takes gumption, gravitas and grit to take the actions that these African Americans did

By Theresa Dear

Perspective

What I learned from Robert Kraft at the NAACP convention

We need each other. Partnerships help us to thrive and overcome adversity.

By Theresa Dear

Demonstrators protest outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, Thursday, June 29, 2023, after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions, saying race cannot be a factor.

Perspective

The good news and the bad news about affirmative action

The Supreme Court’s decision takes us back in time. But we have a playbook to use as we go forward.

By Theresa Dear

Perspective

Perspective: The meaning of Juneteenth

The history of the holiday is part of America’s pain. But Juneteenth is also part of America’s victory.

By Theresa Dear

Opinion

The true message of Black History Month: Hope never dies

It has been more than 400 years since the beginning of slavery, and African Americans are still overcoming challenges and breaking barriers.

By Theresa Dear

Protesters march Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn., over the death of Tyre Nichols, who died after being beaten by Memphis police.

Perspective

What happened to Tyre Nichols was not about race. It was about police brutality

It is past time for Congress to come together and pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

By Theresa Dear

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. addresses a crowd from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial where he delivered his famous, “I Have a Dream” speech during the Aug. 28, 1963, march on Washington, D.C.

Perspective

The power of a dream

In his most famous speech, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of what would happen ‘one day.’ We are all living in that day right now.

By Theresa Dear

Perspective

90 rounds to stop an unarmed man. Could that ever be justified?

The city of Akron, Ohio, was proud of its “bias-free” policing and accountability. But Jayland Walker died anyway.

By Theresa Dear

Perspective

Gun violence: Where are the ministers, marches and movements?

We are not free when our society must cower at the threat of mass shootings. We are not brave when we silently, passively and apprehensively do nothing.

By Theresa Dear

The D.C. temple in Kensington, Maryland, is pictured.

Perspective

Reflections on a memorable tour of the Washington D.C. Temple

I didn’t hear a speech or listen to a choir, but I was moved and inspired.

By Theresa Dear

Perspective

An open letter to Mitt Romney

He was the only Republican male senator to vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. African Americans will remember, as will history

By Theresa Dear

Perspective

Why African Americans hold fast to their faith

Historically, we have not had wealth or connections or the law on our side. But we had the Bible and its promises.

By Theresa Dear

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, a U.S. Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, poses for a portrait, Friday, Feb., 18, 2022, in her office at the court in Washington.

Perspective

Perspective: Confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson. She is qualified

This momentous occasion is where history, reconciliation, qualifications and opportunity meet.

By Theresa Dear

Perspective

Perspective: We are Americans — with or without hyphens

The ultimate response to Mitch McConnell’s remark should be at the ballot box

By Theresa Dear

Perspective

We are indebted to the Dreamer

As we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we should remember that his unfinished work is now ours.

By Theresa Dear

Perspective

Perspective: 12 tips for doing better in 2022

Ahead are 52 new weeks. What can you do in this time to improve the lives of others and not just your own?

By Theresa Dear

Opinion

Perspective: The Rittenhouse decision leaves more questions for the African American community

By Theresa Dear

Perspective

Perspective: This holiday season, how can the most of us help ‘the least of these’?

Sometimes the only thing that differentiates the servers from those being served is an apron, hairnet and gloves.

By Theresa Dear

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is shown on a TV monitor.

Perspective

There’s no escaping the truth when it comes to sexual harassment allegations

After a very long list of fallen leaders accused of harassment, some of them still have not learned that they will be held accountable.

By Theresa Dear

Perspective

America is not perfect, but she is certainly beautiful

She is a country that is loved, envied, desired, loathed and admired around the world. She provokes the awe of her admirers and the ire of her enemies.

By Theresa Dear

People join hands against the backdrop of an American flag.

Perspective

Remembering Juneteenth’s past can propel us forward

With reflection on the origins of Juneteenth, there is a rose among thorns, a light in the midst of darkness and a ray of hope that eclipses cynicism.

By Theresa Dear

Opinion

The Derek Chauvin verdict: Hope, humanity and headway

For African Americans, hearing the words “guilty, guilty, guilty” restored some hope in the justice system.

By Theresa Dear

Faith

Resurrection Day lessons: Love conquers death

There are lessons we can extrapolate from the resurrection experience. There are metaphorical messages that can be applied to our life.

By Theresa Dear

Opinion

Dr. King’s greatest message? It only takes one

Anyone of us can broker peace, influence change and inspire hope.

By Theresa Dear

Opinion

Be the good

Look for the good. Build upon the good. You don’t have to look far

By Theresa Dear

Opinion

We made it through 2020. What will you do differently now?

How has 2020 changed you? Has it changed your perspective on life? Have you found that life and family are more precious? Are you unchanged?

By Theresa Dear

Opinion

Dear 2020: You showed us who was boss, but also gave us humanity and compassion

2020 gave us nine months of unimaginable disorientation — but also revealed humanity and compassion.

By Theresa Dear

Opinion

This Thanksgiving, invite the Teacher

Since we’re home and have time to reflect, let’s ask ourselves a few questions. What was the Lord saying to us in 2020? What was He trying to teach us?

By Theresa Dear

Opinion

America’s tipping point: 7 ways to dismantle racism

This is the time to put up or shut up. This is the time when we must have skin in the game. This America, is the tipping, flash and inflection point, where we must act.

By Theresa Dear

Opinion

Black America can’t breathe

Black America has been fighting a pandemic that far predates COVID-19. It is racism. Thanks to video cameras, racism has been unmasked in America.

By Theresa Dear