The United Nations and the Organization of American States have named 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent. This is an opportunity for all of us around the globe to celebrate the diversity of our societies and to honor the contributions that our fellow citizens of African descent make every day to the economic, social and political fabrics of our communities.

We do always have to make sure we keep people safe.

The deck is still stacked in favor of those already at the top. And there's something wrong with that. There's something wrong when CEOs make 300 times more than the typical worker.

We know the IRS has made clear there is no prohibition on releasing it when you're under audit.

Never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance in the world to pursue your dreams.

We can't just let business as usual go on, and that means something has to be taken away from some people.

I'll end discriminatory laws like the Hyde Amendment that make it all but impossible for low-income women - disproportionately, women of color - to exercise their rights.