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Several of the nation's African-American museums are having a difficult time raising funds and attracting a broader audience. Many rely heavily on public funding at a time when state governments are facing severe budget shortfalls. Recently, museums in Detroit and Philadelphia needed emergency city help to keep their doors open. Joel Rose of member station WHYY reports.

In the 19th and early 20th century, cosmetics entrepreneur and self-made millionaire C.J. Walker helped redefine ideals of beauty for African-American women. In the third part of her series on beauty, NPR's Susan Stamberg talks with A'Lelia Bundles, Walker's great-great-granddaughter and author of On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker.

African-American voters in Alabama say a Supreme Court decision dilutes their voting power. Republican leaders say race should not be the predominant factor for drawing congressional district lines.

NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer talks with U.S. Fire Administrator Lori Moore-Merrell about this month's fatal fires in New York and Philadelphia, and about safety issues in apartment buildings nationwide.

Charles McGee, a Tuskegee Airman who flew 409 fighter combat missions over three wars, has died.

Fashionistas are busy speculating about what Michelle Obama will wear for Inauguration Day festivities. Obsessing over an accomplished professional woman's wardrobe may strike some as sexist, but it's also a sign of the public's fascination with the youthful Obamas.

Steve Harvey is a sitcom star, an accomplished comedian and a best-selling author. But that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of people who have never heard of him.

Elsie Washington, who died last month, is hailed as the Barack Obama of romance writers. Colleagues say she showed that publishing novels with worldly black characters was possible. She established a precedent that influenced the genre over the past 20 years.

Actress, playwright and performer Anna Deaveare Smith talks about her new work, centering on health care, and her new position as artist in residence at the Center for American Progress. She says she will use that perch for her next work about change in Washington.

The king of ragtime published his hit tune 120 years ago. Pianist Lara Downes believes the piece helped shape the future of American music.