Deborah Barfield Berry
USA TODAY
Washington, DC, United States
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Past articles by Deborah:
More people of color are running for Congress in mostly white districts and winning, experts say
The notion that candidates of color can't win in mostly white congressional districts is "antiquated and outdated,'' said advocate A’shanti F. Gholar. → Read More
'It will not happen overnight': Can abortion access drive voters to turn purple states blue?
Abortion rights supporters and anti-abortion activists are both trying to win over voters in battlegrounds states in the next fight over abortion access. → Read More
These Americans want you to know Juneteenth is a national holiday for everyone, not just Black people
Juneteenth celebrations in Washington are as meaningful as July 4. Washingtonians want the rest of America to catch up. → Read More
Eight warnings behaviors of a potential mass shooter: here's what to look for
One warning sign is that a person may become fixated on someone or a cause so much so that it leads to deterioration in their social and work lives. → Read More
'It could be you': Mass shooters often warn people before they kill. What you can do to stop them
Before mass shootings, gunmen often share their plans. But too many people don't take them seriously enough. → Read More
Democrats urge Biden to use presidential powers, 'whatever means necessary' to protect voters
The Biden administration must push for more ways, including possibly an executive order, to ensure voters this year aren’t turned away, advocates say. → Read More
Poor people died from COVID at twice the rate of wealthy Americans, study finds
People living in poorer counties died of COVID-19 at nearly twice the rate of people in wealthier counties, a new report found. → Read More
How the Freedom Singers fueled the civil rights movement through music and song
Freedom Singers traveled the nation raising money for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee while also recruiting and encouraging activists. → Read More
Americans stood up to racism in 1961 and changed history. This is their fight, in their words.
In 1961, activists and civil rights groups banded together en masse like never before to end legal segregation and expand voting access. → Read More
A historic housing crisis has America in its grip. Can Marcia Fudge save the day?
Marcia Fudge was confirmed Wednesday as secretary of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development amid a historic housing crisis. → Read More
Vernon Jordan, civil rights champion and 'first friend' to Bill Clinton, dies at 85
“The nation has lost one of its greatest champions of racial and economic justice," said National Urban League president. → Read More
'Our ancestors' dreams come true': Deb Haaland could become the nation's most powerful Native American leader
New Mexico's Rep. Deb Haaland, a Laguna Pueblo Native American, has activists' hopes soaring as she awaits her confirmation hearing as Interior secretary → Read More
Biden addresses racial bias in housing, directs DOJ to phase out use of private prisons in new executive orders
"These aren't feel good policies. The evidence is clear. Investing in equity is good for economic growth," said Susan Rice, head of the Domestic Policy Council. → Read More
To help heal racial wounds, Black national anthem would become America's hymn under proposal
To help heal racial wounds, U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn is pushing to make "Lift Every Voice and Sing,'' the Black national anthem, America's national hymn. → Read More
'You really didn't know what was happening': MS lawmaker shares view from inside U.S. Capitol
Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson shares what he saw and did the day pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol. → Read More
'Double standard': Black lawmakers and activists decry police response to attack on US Capitol
Civil rights leaders blasted police for their response to an attack on the U.S. Capitol compared to clashes between Black Lives protesters and police. → Read More
'Changing the tone' is key: Civil rights groups urge Biden to make COVID-19, racial justice top priorities
With civil unrest and a pandemic that has disproportionately impacted communities of color, civil rights leaders say it's important for Biden to act. → Read More
How civil rights leader James Clyburn helped Joe Biden and Black America win the White House
U.S. Rep. James Clyburn has been fighting for civil rights for 60 years. At 80, he gave himself one last job: Get Donald Trump out of the White House. → Read More
Worried about voter suppression? Lawyers set up national hotline to answer questions about election laws
Thousands of lawyers are volunteering with Election Protection, a nonpartisan hotline, to help voters across the country navigate election changes. → Read More
25 years ago, Black men united in their pain – and power. This is what the Million Man March meant to participants.
The Million Man March filled the National Mall in 1995. Amid Black Lives Matter protests over racial injustice, Black men reflect on what it meant. → Read More