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Civil Rights Series 1

For Centuries Black Leaders Raised Voices for Justice

From Harriet Tubman to John Lewis, they called for change

Edna Kane Williams smiling

Edna Kane-Williams on COVID-19 and Minorities

AARP's senior vice president for multicultural leadership fights for all older Americans

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Need Help? Discover AARP Community Connections

Website links volunteers and older adults with the resources they need

Civil Rights & History

A man wearing a hat and mask with the words I will vote on it

Older Activists Make Voices Heard in March on Washington

'They're excited because they're seeing a change' — 57 years after 1963's 'I Have a Dream' speech

portraits of two early black suffragists mary church terrell and ida b wells

Black Women Had to Fight for Right to Vote, Recognition

They were suffragists combating both racism and sexism long after the 19th Amendment was passed

screengrab from louisville courier journal website from june first showing photo of a group of protestors with rhonda mathies at the lead with her fist raised in the air as a gesture for racial justice

How These Older Americans Are Demanding Change

Spurred on by the death of George Floyd, 46, they are marching — even with worries about COVID-19

Rev. William Barber speaks at a news conference

Pastor Reframes Civil Rights Movement for Modern Times

Five injustices, including poverty and racism, hold back U.S. potential, the Rev. William Barber II says

Myrlie Evers-Williams

Myrlie Evers-Williams Faces Racial Unrest Head-On

Former NAACP Chair on how America can reach its promise of freedom, equality

The F W. Woolworth building where the first sit-in for integragtion occurred in 1960

11 Fascinating Southern Stops Along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Visit the sites, many outdoors, where ordinary citizens like John Lewis fought injustice, made history

Coronavirus Pandemic

Grandmother and granddaughter at home working on a digital tablet.

Helping With Virtual Schooling This Year

A guide for grandparents

black woman in a purple face mask coughing

When Symptoms Refuse to Go Away

The effects of COVID-19 can linger

Illustration of a mature Black man concerned about his bills and debts that have increased since the coronavirus pandemic began

Pandemic Hurts Older Blacks in Wallet

Many face problems paying bills

Male Covid patient at United Memorial Medical Center in Houston, TX

Coronavirus Hits Older Minorities Hardest

Blacks hospitalized at higher rates

A female teacher standing in front of a chalkboard holding a book

1 in 4 Teachers at Risk of Severe COVID-19

Complications a heightened threat

family photo of a woman the photo is placed on a table

Undertaker Thinks Deaths Undercounted

Not all who die are being tested

Left: Miliary photo of Thomas Bowman, Sr. and Right: Thomas Bowman, Jr. in the hospital

Son, Father Treated Together at Hospital

Ex-Marines hospitalized 2 days apart

african american man sitting outside near a brick wall

Virus, Discrimination Stress Most of Nation

Surveys highlight mental health toll

Connect With Us

Group of three multi-ethnic women sitting around an outdoor table on a patio drinking coffee and conversing. The woman in purple is mixed race African-American. The focus is on her African-American friend wearing blue.

Sisters From AARP

Welcome to the free, weekly newsletter that celebrates black women and their friendships

It’s time to change the story about aging. Four things you can do right now to help disrupt aging. Join us.

#DisruptAging

Join us in a new conversation about how we want to live as we age

Health

man in wheelchair shoots basket as person looks on

Where You Live at 50 Could Determine How Long You Live

AARP report finds access to health care, housing, jobs matters most at midlife

8 Great Reasons to Get Started Walking — Now

You can trim your waistline, sleep better and learn more reasons to get your body moving

African-American father and son talking, the conversation project - caregiving

How Cultural Influences Can Affect the Way You Give Care

Be conscious of the differences and so you can find common ground with the person you're caring for

Final cigarette stubbed out, end of smoking

Blacks' Lung Cancer Rate No Longer Exceeds That of Whites

African Americans have cut back on smoking in the past 60 years, especially Gen Xers and younger

Older African American woman doing weight training

Poor Prognoses for African Americans Can Turn Around

Some blood pressure, diabetes problems start with poverty and diet but don't have to become destiny

African American woman sits cross-legged on a bed and meditates

Stressed Out? Try This Beginner's Guide to Meditation

Focusing your mind in this way can alleviate anxiety, slow aging, and improve your attention span

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TV, Movies & Music

Diana Ross circa 1975 (left); Diana Ross 2019 (right)

50 Years Ago Diana Ross Earned Her First Solo Hit

'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' topped Billboard

Loretta Devine Lela Rochon Whitney Houston and Angela Bassett star in Waiting to Exhale and Denzel Washington and Viola Davis in the film Fences

17 Essential Films About Our Expansive Black Experience

Black life in America isn't a singular culture

Courtney B Vance attends the 71st Emmy Awards

Courtney B. Vance on Race and Life With Angela Bassett

He has new HBO series, 23-year Hollywood marriage

Director Spike Lee poses for photo in Sydney Australia

The 5 Best Spike Lee Films You Haven't Seen — But Still Can

Explore more of the great American filmmaker's work

Radha Blank Ryan Coogler and Ava DuVernay

11 Black Filmmakers You Should Know (and Will Love)

Up your watch list game with these essential directors

Famous hip hop performers

Listen to a Podcast Episode: Getting Better With Rhyme

Hip-hop: 'It doesn't get more American than that'

Book Excerpts

authors aminatou sow and ann freedman and their latest book titled big friendship

'Big Friendship' Illustrates the Awesome Power of Pals

Two BFFs explore challenges of deep, lasting bonds

author britt bennett and her latest book the vanishing half

Excerpt: First Chapter of 'The Vanishing Half' Sets the Stage

Must-read new fiction about racism from Brit Bennett

author terry mc millan in front of a graphic of her latest book cover which is entitled it is not all downhill from here

Terry McMillan’s New Novel Focuses on Friends in Their 60s

Fall in love with story from ‘Waiting to Exhale’ author

Video Spotlight

Veteran Battles PTSD Because of Motorcycle Suicide Bomber

His mother is his caregiver and biggest advocate

Work Out in 10 Minutes: Find a Chair to Improve Your Balance

Our series with Bryant Johnson will get you moving

Alfre Woodard: 'Everybody Needs a Wave Right Now'

Love spreads faster than COVID-19, the actress says