Social Issues

American history buffs may remember William Lloyd Garrison, known for his passionate anti-slavery views in the 1800s. Earlier this month, 150 of Garrison's descendants converged on suburban Boston to mark the 200th anniversary of his birth. MPR's Curtis Gilbert gives us a first-hand account.
Buoyed by his supporters and undeterred by his critics, comedian Bill Cosby is sticking by his now famous speech at the 2004 NAACP awards ceremony. In the year since he made his remarks, Cosby has been traveling the country and reiterating his message that poor black parents need to set a better example for their children. He made one such appearance this summer in St. Louis.
The Minnesota Historical Society is observing the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II this weekend. One event features music by World War II veteran Charles Beasley and his big band. Beasley was an Army musician during the war, in an all-black unit. The anniversary gives Beasley a chance to reflect on race relations in this country.
Lutherans expect to debate whether the church should bless same-sex unions. Midmorning looks at how the issue of gay representation has affected many Christian denominations.
One of the perks of being an artist is sometimes you get to name your own show. Painter and sketch artist Donovan Durham called his: "Donovan Durham's Fantastic Print Show." It turns out his life story is just as fantastic as his art.
Whistleblowers are often honored by the media and in the movies. But acting in an ethical way doesn't always have a positive outcome. What price do whistleblowers pay for revealing wrongdoing?
Broadcaster Peter Jennings died of lung cancer on Sunday. His death, as well as the departures of Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather from their evening news slots, could suggest the age of the television anchor is over. Midmorning discusses the role and the future of the network news icon.
As requests for political asylum are growing, federal judges and the Immigration and Naturalization Service are becoming less certain about current asylum policy.
The NCAA is banning the use of American Indian mascots by sports teams during its postseason tournaments. Regionally, the announcement is expected to have the most impact at the University of North Dakota, home of the Fighting Sioux.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was the most famous black orator in history, but he was hardly alone. For generations, African Americans have been demanding justice and equality, reminding America to make good on its founding principles. This American RadioWorks documentary explores the crucial role these orators played in the long struggle for equal rights.