The Supreme Court is hearing two landmark gay marriage cases this week. But Robin Shahar's case never made it that far. She lost a job offer for planning a private wedding ceremony with her same-sex partner in 1991. Shahar speaks with host Michel Martin about the cultural shift that brought about these legal challenges.
In Taiye Selasi's debut novel, members of the Sai family have trouble assimilating both in the United States and while in Ghana for the patriarch's funeral. Host Michel Martin speaks with Selasi about her novel and the immigrant experience.
Tell Me More continues the conversation about America's increasingly diverse population. Host Michel Martin looks at how communities and governments are responding to the changes with Danielle Belton of Clutch Magazine, Univision's Fernando Vila, and Howard Dodson, a Howard University historian.
Millions of Americans are officially jobless, but that doesn't mean they're not earning money. To help make ends meet, many unemployed and underemployed people are working in what economists call the 'shadow economy.' Host Michel Martin speaks with Bloomberg economics reporter Joshua Zumbrun about this trend.
America's minorities are quickly becoming the majority, and the population shift is happening sooner than expected. That's coming as a surprise to older Americans according to demographer William Frey of the Brookings Institution. Host Michel Martin talks with Frey about what challenges might come from this 'cultural generation gap.'
Some areas of the country are barely feeling the impact of sequestration cuts, but the effects are very real in Indian nations. Host Michel Martin finds out more from Amber Ebarb of the National Congress of American Indians and Lacey Horn, Treasurer of the Cherokee Nation.
Today marks the beginning of the Jewish holiday, Passover. It's a time to think about the story of Exodus, when Moses led the slaves out of Egypt to freedom. But what does it mean for people in prison? Host Michel Martin discusses the issue with law professor Aviva Orenstein, and Jack Abramoff, a former lobbyist and convict who observed Passover while in prison.
Singer Crystal Bowersox had a tough upbringing before she found stardom as a runner up on American Idol. Her latest album, All that For This, reflects a new and brighter chapter in her life. She shares her story with host Michel Martin.
In the past, the term 'women's health' generally meant reproductive health. Today, it's a much broader concept. Host Michel Martin discusses the changing field with Dr. Janine Austin Clayton, the National Institute of Health's Director of the Office of Research on Women's Health.
President Obama's visit to the Middle East has both inspired cheers and raised eyebrows among policy experts. But will his visit help reshape the debate over the region's future? Host Michel Martin discusses the trip with Peter Beinart, who edits The Daily Beast's Open Zion blog, and Saeed Khan, a lecturer and Middle East expert at Wayne State University.
Chinua Achebe, widely considered the grandfather of modern African literature, has died at the age of 82. His popular book, Things Fall Apart, tackled the effect of colonialism on Africa, and has sold more than 10 million copies. Host Michel Martin is joined by NPR Africa Correspondent Ofeibea Quist-Arcton to look back on his life and work.
Two teens accused of rape in Steubenville, Ohio were convicted and sentenced this week. Host Michel Martin talks to the Barbershop guys about how the victim — and the perpetrators — were treated in the press. Writer Jimi Izrael, political science professor Lester Spence, civil rights attorney Arsalan Iftikhar and Republican strategist R. Clarke Cooper discuss the week's news. ADVISORY: Please note, this conversation includes a discussion about rape and may not be suitable for all listeners.
Kentucky farmer James Gash is one of millions of American gun owners who don't belong to the National Rifle Association - the powerful lobbying group. Gash talks with host Michel Martin about why the NRA doesn't speak for him.
Republican Senator Rob Portman recently announced that, after years of opposition, he now supports same-sex marriage. He credits his own gay son with helping to change his mind. In her regular 'Can I Just Tell You' essay, host Michel Martin suggests politicians look out for all constituents' needs and rights, not just those inspired by family ties.
Sometimes, reporting on a war can be as difficult as being in one. Host Michel Martin speaks with former journalist, Abdulrazzaq al-Saiedi, about the moment during the Iraq War when he decided to leave journalism.