It’s the Ecstasy, Stupid

Sheerly Avni / Truthdig Jul 3, 2007 Oakland's skyrocketing murder rate has experts scratching their heads, but cultural critic Sheerly Avni suggests that one answer lies in plain sight. Just ask the kids who are likeliest to kill and be killed, and you will learn that a major villain is the "hug drug." Dig deeper ( 6 Min. Read )

New York Bans ‘N-Word’

Staff / Truthdig Mar 1, 2007 The New York City Council has symbolically banned the use of the word nigger. The resolution, though unenforceable, is meant to defy the word's popularity among young people, though, as the BBC points out, an "edict from elected officials" is unlikely to have much of an impact. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Paul Cummins: Writing Poetry Beats Armed Robbery

Paul Cummins / Truthdig Jan 4, 2007 An enrichment program for incarcerated L.A. youths is proving that non-punitive rehabilitation can and does work. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Kirk Douglas’ Birthday Plea

Staff / Truthdig Dec 12, 2006 Acting legend Kirk Douglas turned 90 over the weekend and issued this birthday essay to commemorate the occasion, calling on the next generation to at least try to solve the world's problems. (h/t: Largest Minority) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Renewed Violence in France

Staff / Truthdig Oct 26, 2006 Authorities are scrambling to address a possible resurgence of violence after two buses were torched near Paris on Wednesday. Last year's civil unrest led to the destruction of some 9,000 vehicles in and around the city. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Jabari Asim: Who’s Showing Black Youth the Path to Responsibility?

Jabari Asim / Truthdig Jul 24, 2006 Even as the notion of responsibility becomes less and less relevant among black American youths, people like Bill Cosby and the actor who plays Gordon on "Sesame Street" are asking the tough questions necessary for any reversal of the trend. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

David Muhammad: The Truthdig Interview

Sheerly Avni / Truthdig Apr 3, 2006 The prominent black activist and mentor for incarcerated youth in Oakland, Calif. argues that it's time to hold hip-hop artists accountable for the messages behind their music. Dig deeper ( 14 Min. Read )

Baseball? That Ain’t Hood

James Harris / Truthdig Jan 4, 2006 African Americans are abandoning baseball in droves. But should we care? Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )