Franchesca Ramsey, 1/4/12

Comedian, Graphic Designer, Natural Hair Lover and Video Blogger

Over the years I've found that dealing with racial people faux pas can be tricky. I decided to create my own parody, "Shit White Girls Say...to Black Girls," to make all people laugh while, hopefully, opening some eyes.

Monique Ruffin, 1/5/12

Mother, author, blogger, and life coach

Today in many churches all across this nation, we continue to indoctrinate innocent children in the practice of homophobia. These children grow up with a desire to please God, and in doing so they become the Rick Perrys of the world.

David A. Love, 1/5/12

Executive Director, Witness to Innocence

The American South can't seem to shake off the Civil War. Or Jim Crow. And yet, that region of the U.S. is undergoing some dramatic changes. How the South responds to these changes will determine how easily it will enter the modern world and usher out the racial demons of its past.

Jon Chattman, 1/5/12

Published Author, thecheappop.com/asidesmusic.com founder, Blogger

I caught up with Jones backstage before her sold-out show last month at the Tarrytown Music Hall in Westchester, and spoke to her about her evolution and her anticipation of joining other "divas" on stage for a VH1 special.

Larry P. Thomas, 1/5/12

Leading Educator. Educating Leaders.

Welcome your new year with resolution, reinvention, and renewal. Whether your new year represents a fresh start or a do-over, here are four steps to help you believe and achieve in 2012.

Lamar Tyler, 1/5/12

Co-Founder of BlackandMarriedWithKids.com

In a time when Fatherhood is a hot button issue in the African American community actor/rapper Tray Chaney releases a music video for his new song titled Fatherhood that hits the mark. Many will recognize Chaney from his role as Poot Carr on HBO's hit show The Wire.

Kirsten West Savali, 1/5/12

Cultural critic, screenwriter and Senior News Editor, YourBlackWorld.com

More than the obvious ignorance of Rick Santorum's statement about Obama's pro-choice stance, the underlying condescending and prejudicial tone reveals Santorum's sense of superiority and blatant disregard for African-American life.

Stacia L. Brown, 1/2/12

Writer, mother, adjunct professor, and contributor to PostBourgie.com.

Vesta Williams's unexpected and untimely death was just one in a long string of mysteries surrounding her life. What happened? Where had she been? Why hadn't she hit it bigger?

Earl Ofari Hutchinson, 1/2/12

Author and political analyst

Paul's oft times uttered quip that private business owners have an absolute right to decide what to do with their own property; to make his point that it is legally wrong to tell private business owners what they can do with their business is laughable.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, 1/3/12

Civil rights activist

For all the attack ads, on policy there is little substantive difference in the Republican candidates, with the exception of the more-libertarian Ron Paul.

Tanya M. Acker, 1/3/12

Attorney, Legal and Political Analyst

Visiting the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art is an interesting type of therapy -- the kind that can remind us to put our frustrations about our current peccadilloes in perspective.

Bishop T.D. Jakes, 1/3/12

Senior Pastor, Potter's House, Texas

After 35 years in ministry and 30 years of marriage to Serita Jakes, I have outlined key life lessons learned from these two great institutions.

Marcus Samuelsson, 1/4/12

Chef; Author

Staying on top of seasonal fruits and vegetables is one way to keep money in your pockets, but there are also some foods that are both healthy and affordable. Here's a short list of the best picks of healthy foods for the best prices that won't burn a hole in your pocket.

Sarah Henson, 12/29/11

Businesswoman, Writer, and On-Air Personality

I wonder what my life would have been like had Teen Mom been popular when I had my son at age fourteen. I wonder if the stares would have lasted as long or if the shame would have moved inside of my heart where it lived for years.

Imani Rashid, 12/30/11

Author, 'Kwanzaa in the Gay and Lesbian Family'

When my wife and I attended the Kwanzaa celebration with our son's classmates and their families in 1977, we were the only lesbian couple in the room. Yet we were welcomed into that room. This was a life-changing event for me.

Oneika Raymond, 12/30/11

Traveller. Teacher. Thrill-Seeker.

Not even 24 hours after touching down in Santiago, Chile, I was on the road again. Destination? The Chilean desert.

Rog Walker, 12/29/11

New York-based Storyteller

The greatest service you can do for all parties involved is to humble yourself. Submit to your craft, commit to quality work, and allow the fruits of your expression to justify the hype.