Jeremy Johnson, 12/05/12

Writer living in Houston, TX

Depression doesn't give a f**k what you look like or how intelligent or creative you are. Or even if you're a young athletic black man, poised and well-spoken.

Sophia Bracy-Harris, 12/06/12

Co-founder and executive director, Federation of Child Care Centers of Alabama

Both South Africa and the U.S. must honor the stories of apartheid and slavery told by their people. By acknowledging the wrong and committing to make it right, we help ensure that no race can ever again succeed in elevating itself at the expense of others.

Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, 12/06/12

CEO, Green for All

When neighbors plant food together, or find jobs improving buildings on their own block -- when they create reliable, safe infrastructure and common green space -- they increase their odds of surviving all kinds of hardships, from storms, to divisive politics, to economic recession.

Michael Shank and Lindsay Schubiner, 12/06/12

If America is the land of opportunity, then people -- all people -- must be given a second chance to pursue their dreams after they have served their sentence.

Rev. Al Sharpton, 12/05/12

President, National Action Network

When the top 2 percent were enjoying tax breaks and stockpiling prosperity, there was no sharing. Now they have the audacity to ask seniors, minorities, folks whose children fought in our wars, the disenfranchised and the most vulnerable among us to sacrifice some more. Does that seem fair?

Judith Browne Dianis, 12/04/12

Co-Director of Advancement Project

Dunn claims he acted in self-defense, and that he felt "threatened" before opening fire on the vehicle. His attorney argues that Dunn "acted responsibly." He is now calling on a legal hook for his view that his actions were warranted: Florida's deeply misguided "stand your ground" law.

Ricardo Garcia-Amaya, 12/05/12

Co-founder & CEO of AngelPolitics - Political Fundraising Network

Over the past two years we have witnessed the creation of some local and regional for-profit technology accelerators dedicated to supporting minority tech entrepreneurs. However, there are still no predominant official or unofficial regional or national groups comprised of minority angel investors.

Jimmy Nguyen, 12/04/12

Award-winning lawyer, digital media expert, and diversity advocate

It is a simple human truth that seeing a successful person who looks like you can provide even more powerful inspiration. Two young men reminded me of this lesson after The Huffington Post published its list of influential LGBT Asians. Visibility of LGBT racial minorities matters.

Christopher Duggan, 12/05/12

Founder and principal photographer, Christopher Duggan Photography

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater hosts gorgeous and energetic galas at New York City Center every year.

Candice Burns, 12/04/12

Principal, Collins Johnson Group

Can I pay the rent or mortgage this month? Can Mom or Dad sign the kids up for that after-school program or buy that extra notebook for math class? Can the college graduate afford the studio apartment or have to live at home in the basement?

Christopher Dyer, 12/04/12

LGBT activist; founder, Youth Pride Alliance and Dyer Consulting Services

Earl Fowlkes serves as president and CEO of the Center for Black Equity, which he founded as a coalition of black Pride organizers formed to promote a multinational network of LGBT Pride and community-based organizations.

Dedrick Muhammad, 12/04/12

Senior Director of Economic Programs, NAACP

Investing in a strong personal economy ultimately requires a holistic, integrated view of your professional and personal life choices. The returns you'll earn from these long-term investments are assets that will continue to serve you no matter what the future has in store for the national economy.

Ivanley Noisette, 12/04/12

Human rights activist

The Pipeline to Prison is a national crisis that deserves the attention of advocates, lawmakers and the media. It will be up to us to pressure policymakers to address this pipeline with the same urgency demonstrated during the debate over Keystone XL.

Andrea L. Zopp, 12/04/12

President and CEO
, Chicago Urban League

Pushing for access to a quality education is the next step up that our kids need and are entitled to. As mothers, fathers, and caregivers, it's also your obligation.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson, 12/04/12

Author and political analyst

Susan Rice will continue to be a handy and cynical whipping person for the GOP to hector Obama. But the political reality is that the legislative business that Congress and the White House must do never has been shut down by any political squabble over a presidential appointee.

James Sanders, 12/04/12

Freelance Writer / Social Media Consultant / Fashion Stylist

As a black man, one of the last places I thought I'd find some roots was in Puerto Rico. But I did.

Minister Leslie Watson Malachi, 12/04/12

Director of African-American religious affairs, People for the American Way & People For the American Way Foundation

A combination of swift tax hikes on lower- and middle-income earners and drastic cuts in social services would not only stunt economic growth, it would place an immediate burden on the most vulnerable. And unfortunately, a disproportionate number of the most vulnerable are African American.