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NPR's Michel Martin speaks with Saladin K. Patterson about the coming-of-age comedy that gives its own compelling storyline.

President Bush's nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to replace the retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor produced mixed reactions among lawmakers and interest groups. Liberals criticized Alito's selection as a way for President Bush to cater to his conservative base after conservative opposition led to the withdrawal of Harriet Miers, Bush's previous nominee.

Phyllis Wheatley was America's first published black poet -- a native of Senegal, sold into slavery in Boston in 1761 and taught to read and write. Now a newly discovered letter by her is expected to fetch top dollar at auction.

Super Bowl XL falls somewhere between brilliant and bland on the 40-year timeline of title games. The Pittsburgh Steelers and star Jerome Bettis are popular winners, but play was erratic and the referees loomed a bit too large.

Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s new PBS miniseries African American Lives takes an in-depth look at his own family tree, along with the histories of such luminaries as Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Mae Jemison and Bishop T.D. Jakes. He talks to Robert Siegel with about the project.

Vivian Malone Jones, the first African-American student to graduate from the University of Alabama, has died at age 63. Malone was one of the students Alabama Gov. George Wallace tried to block from entering the university in 1963.

Overcoming a slow start, Shani Davis used a powerful finish to win the 1,000-meter men's speedskating competition. He became the first African American to win an individual Olympic gold medal in the Winter Games.

Ted Stanger, a former Newsweek correspondent and writer on French affairs, discusses the grievances behind the French riots and the political ramifications of the violence.

Author Terry McMillan talks about her new novel, The Interruption of Everything and the marital breakup that's landed the popular author on the gossip pages.

Mimi Valdes is editor-in-chief of Vibe magazine and a commentator for TV specials such as Black in the 80s. Her booklist features a mix of new fiction, classic drama and nonfiction.