Keith Boykin, 2/9/12

CNBC contributor, MSNBC commentator and former White House aide

Martin is entitled to his opinion, and he shouldn't be fired from his job simply because of what he believes. But given those beliefs, why wouldn't gays and lesbians assume Martin's tweet about smacking a male fan of a shirtless David Beckham was meant to be an insult to gay men?

Corey Gaines, 2/9/12

Head coach, Phoenix Mercury

There are a lot of people that believe the path is already set for them or they don't have options, but none of that is true. If you want something changed, change it yourself. Don't wait for someone else to come along. Only rely on yourself to get you to where you want to be.

Sophia A. Nelson, 2/9/12

Author; columnist for NBC's theGRIO.com, Essence Magazine, and USA TODAY; contributor, NPR

We, as Americans, should be concerned when advocacy groups (liberal, conservative, gay or straight) have so much power that they can take the words of an individual and turn them on their head to further their political agenda. That is exactly what GLAAD has done in this instance.

Kate Kelly, 2/8/12

Author, 'Election Day: An American Holiday, an American History'

Because James Derham lived in the late eighteenth century, the information about his is thin. But even with not too much information, his story is clear, James Derham was the first African American to practice medicine in the U.S.

Marc Mauer, 2/8/12

Executive director, The Sentencing Project

It's hardly a secret that the relationship between African American communities and law enforcement has been fraught with conflict. From the old days of station-house beatings to get a confession to today's "stop and frisk" practices, an awful lot of mistrust has been engendered.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson, 2/8/12

Author and political analyst

Obama's reversal on Super PACs is not a betrayal of principle. It is a reflection of the brutal reality that to run and keep the White House, it will cost a pretty penny.

Wana Udobang, 2/8/12

Journalist, Writer, Poet, Gender Activist

So again I asked why she went through the stress of getting replacement rings even though she wasn't married anymore. She responded again explaining that she didn't want people showing signs of disrespect towards her because she didn't have a husband.

Valerie Jarrett, 2/7/12

Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement

On this, the 12th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, I remember my sister-in-law's fight with the disease. It is in her memory, and the memory of all the friends and loved ones we have lost, that we vow to keep working toward the day when HIV/AIDS is history.

Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks, 2/7/12

Executive Director and CEO, National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC)

Out of love for our people and ourselves, we have to find constructive ways to embrace human sexuality without judgment. Our people are dying simply because those of us who have the power to save lives have not dealt with our own hang-ups.

Deborah Plummer, 2/6/12

Diversity Solutions Thought Leader

A recent report concluded that racial segregation in U.S. cities is at its lowest in a century. Though great news, I do not believe that the demographics have shifted because of an intentional desire for racial integration. Given the current economy, it is just harder for spatial racism to exist.

Laura McNeal, 2/6/12

Faculty Fellow, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute, Harvard Law School

Obama's proposal sends an important message to youths and their families: "You are no longer invisible. We see you, we invest in you and we expect you to contribute in a positive way to yourself and to your future."

Dr. Felicia Wade, 2/6/12

Author and Physician

The recent death of TV pioneer Don Cornelius underscores the growing problem of depression and suicide among our elderly population. Most people don't expect older adults to take their own lives, but this population has the highest suicide rate of any age group.

Ash Cash, 2/6/12

Business Consultant, Motivational Speaker, and Personal Finance Expert

High debt can stop you from getting loans, renting or buying a home, purchasing a car or even getting a job. Credit can be a gift or a curse! Making some small sacrifices early can give you peace of mind and put you on the right road to financial freedom. Here are some tips.

Elaine Gross, 2/6/12

President, Erase Racism

Many people would agree that disparate treatment based on race is wrong, but how can we try to remedy the situation when so few people are willing to create policies and practices that explicitly address such forms of structural racism?

Keli Goff, 2/6/12

Author, Commentator and Contributing Editor, TheLoop21.com

It's been a whirlwind week for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Planned Parenthood and any woman or man who cares about both organizations. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, there are lessons all of us who care about women's health and social change can glean from this saga.

Rodney Barnes, 2/3/12

Award-winning Writer, Producer

The hype around seeing the new Tuskegee Airmen film Red Tails, is kind of like voting for Obama. If you don't do it your black card might be revoked, the Dr. King photo on your wall will close its eyes and you will drown in a chorus of, "See this movie or die."

Dr. Boyce Watkins, 2/6/12

Professor, Syracuse University

I was admittedly intrigued and somewhat confused by the recent decision by BET to ban Minaj's new video, "Stupid Hoe" from their channel. I wondered, out loud, what it was in this video that caused it to be banned.