Karen Grigsby Bates
Karen Grigsby Bates is the Senior Correspondent for Code Switch, a podcast that reports on race and ethnicity. A veteran NPR reporter, Bates covered race for the network for several years before becoming a founding member of the Code Switch team. She is especially interested in stories about the hidden history of race in America—and in the intersection of race and culture. She oversees much of Code Switch's coverage of books by and about people of color, as well as issues of race in the publishing industry. Bates is the co-author of a best-selling etiquette book (Basic Black: Home Training for Modern Times) and two mystery novels; she is also a contributor to several anthologies of essays. She lives in Los Angeles and reports from NPR West.
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The Nat King Cole Show debuted in 1956, making singer and jazz pianist Nat "King" Cole the first black man to host a nationally televised variety program. Cole reluctantly challenged segregation on television and in American society, but a year later the show ended.
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Central Grocery, one of New Orleans' best-loved specialty foods stores, had to close for a few months after Hurricane Katrina hit. But one of its owners forged ahead to re-open in time for Mardi Gras and the Central Grocery's 100th birthday.
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The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club is the oldest mostly-black krewe in New Orleans' Mardi Gras parade. They're at the head of the procession this year amid recovery from Hurricane Katrina. The decision to parade, say some members, was a difficult choice.
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The Wisconsin State Journal in Madison is letting readers choose the news. In an experiment officially begun this week, readers go to the Web to choose among five stories. The next day, the story with the most votes goes on the front page.
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The Museum of the African Diaspora, the latest addition to San Francisco's Museum Row, opens its doors to the public Friday. Through art and artifacts, the museum aims to tell at least part of the story of all people who can trace their roots to Africa -- from present day to ancient times.
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The new book by Susan Spungen, the former chef and "food stylist" for the domestic diva's homemaking empire, focuses on low-stress entertaining. Spungen says the book helps readers get in touch with their inner Martha — only without the ankle bracelet.
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At the center of the book is the battle between obligation to one's community and the obligation to one's individual interests and needs. It's that tension that produces guilt — and it's the springboard for a collection of delightful essays.
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Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's newest cookbook pays homage to a 110-year-old New Orleans dining institution. The Food Network star and restaurateur talks about his mission to preserve the culinary history of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
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On this day in 1935, Porgy and Bess, George Gershwin's opera about black life in the South Carolina town of Charleston at the turn of the century, made its Broadway debut. Karen Grigsby Bates offers an appreciation.
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Day to Day reporters go on the prowl for quintessential American street food. Karen Grigsby Bates finds taco bliss in Los Angeles, Mike Pesca raves about chili and BBQ in New York City, and Eric Weiner gravitates toward high-octane Cuban coffee.
