TheLoop21.com

Loop Scoops are editorial initiatives that offer in-depth analysis into issues that have a great impact on the Black community but are often misrepresented in the mainstream media. News outlets cover subjects like AIDS/HIV awareness and prevention, gender, racism on campus and breast cancer awareness, but rarely examine how these issues relate to and  specifically impact the Black community. TheLoop21.com is committed to closely examining these issues from a Black perspective to better inform and engage our community. Check out loop scoops and discover more about you.

2010's Journalism in Color: Racial Reporting in the Obama Age

For the second consecutive year, TheLoop21.com in collaboration with UNITY: Journalists of Color, Inc. asked journalists of color to share their views on racial coverage in the news. The results of our 2010 Journalism in Color Survey on race and media are in. Journalists of color from around the country weighed in on the explosive issue of racial news coverage. For complete survey results, click here. Negative stereotypes, race relations, and the idea of a post-racial society are just some of the issues that African-American, Latino, Asian-American and Native American journalists addressed. Their perspective is unique. Their opinions will surprise you.

Why is Black history segregated?

The fact that Black History Month is so widely recognized and celebrated is a sure sign of continued progress. "Black History Month" has become a national tradition. But what of the “history” itself? Is it being taught? Our investigation found some answers that will surprise you.

Obama: Man of the People?

In this series of stories, we examine President Obama, the man, born to a single mother, raised largely by elderly grandparents. We examine the man who sold the nation and many parts of the world on “change.” But now, a year into his administration, we must ask has he really lived up to the promise? Did we perhaps expect too much? Has he governed like a man of the people or instead has he behaved too tentatively? Has he negotiated too much? Has he betrayed the principles upon which he ran?

Where Were You When?

America made history on Nov. 4, 2008, by electing Barack Obama our first Black president. Join TheLoop21.com in looking back on how people across the country spent the day and the reactions of first-time voters, civil rights veterans and more, as told through photos, video and first-person stories.

Red, Black and Green: The Real Cost of Domestic Violence in the Black Community

Domestic Violence must end now. It destroys lives and families, and it undermines communities — especially the African American community. White women make up the majority of domestic violence cases, but Black women are three times more likely to be killed in a domestic violence incident, causing spiritual, emotional and physical pain. And domestic violence hurts all of us financially. Have you thought about the economic impact it has on our community, whether it's moving costs, medical costs, wage losses or burial costs? TheLoop21.com will walk you through the economic havoc that domestic violence wreaks on our community.

Fighting Black: Breast Cancer in Our Community

In the U.S., breast cancer is seen as a white, middle-class woman’s disease. While white women are diagnosed with it more often than any other group, Black women are more likely to die from it. TheLoop21.com seeks to include Black women in the dialogue during Breast Cancer Awareness month by addressing the disparities that exist in breast cancer detection, prevention and treatment. We seek to shed light on the special challenges facing Black women in their fight against the disease, while giving the proper media coverage that it deserves. 

The Gender War

The relationship between Black men and women is one complicated by historical events not always in our control. Today, as women continue to elevate themselves for equal treatment in the workplace and in society as a whole, gender roles still continue to plague us. The Gender War series examines the role misogyny plays in the misrepresentation of Black women within pop culture.

Racism on Campus

Think our college campuses are post-race? Think again. In this series, college students, professors and hate crimes experts tell TheLoop21.com all about racism on the U.S. college and university campuses across the country. Being a minority at a majority school offers certain advantages that some argue a historically Black college or university can't, but the presence of racism can often overshadow the benefits. Join the conversation about the problem and possible solutions.

Journalism in Color: Race and the media during the 2008 election and beyond

While the mainstream media is facing even tougher times than a lot of other industries these days, the issue of race is one it can't afford to ignore. Americans are more focused on it than ever following the election of Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election. Here are a few suggestions from journalists themselves on how the media can improve its coverage of race in the future. (Read more about why the mainstream media has a tough time covering race.)