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The roots of gospel music are not well-documented. Early recordings were lost. Stories behind the songs weren't written down. A new book recounts the history of the beloved American art form. NPR's Michele Norris talks with Robert Darden, author of People Get Ready!.

The movie Woman Thou Art Loosed opened over the weekend. NPR's Tavis Smiley talks with producer Reuben Cannon about the virtues of making an African-American faith-based film.

NPR's Karen Grigsby Bates remembers the life of Shirley Chisholm, who became the first-ever African-American woman to serve in Congress. She served seven terms as a Democrat in the House of Representatives, and was a vocal advocate for the rights of minorities and women. Chisholm died on New Year's Day in Daytona Beach, Fla., at the age of 80.

Alexis Sinduhije, a Burundian journalist, will receive an International Press Freedom Award this week from the Committee to Protect Journalists. Sinduhije is the founder of Radio Publique Africaine, a radio station that has brought together Hutu and Tusti reporters. Hear NPR's Jennifer Ludden and Sinduhije.

NPR's Ari Shapiro reports on one of the country's few public libraries devoted to African-American culture and history. The Broward County African-American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has been attracting growing crowds ever since it opened two years ago.

Oscar Brown Jr. travels the United States to tell stories of African-American history. His song "Bid 'Em In" — in which he plays the part of a slave auctioneer — prompted an animated short film now eligible for an Oscar. Hear Brown and NPR's Tavis Smiley.

The reaction to Roe vs. Wade was immense, but not immediately so. It took months and years for the anti-abortion movement to fully form, to organize and gain political power.

More than 2,500 champion show dogs have descended upon Madison Square Garden for the 129th Westminster Kennel Club's dog show. One of the top African-American handlers in the sport is there, hoping to make history. Allison Keyes reports.

NPR's Farai Chideya discusses the taboo of mental illness in black communities with Dr. Alvin Poussaint and Amy Alexander, co-authors of Lay My Burden Down: Unraveling Suicide and the Mental Health Crisis among African-Americans. Dr. Poussaint is a professor at Harvard Medical School.

In 1998, singer Rokia Traoré hit the international music scene with a unique blend of modern sounds and traditional roots. Since then, the Malian chanteuse and songwriter has gained a devoted worldwide following. She performs songs from her latest CD, Bowmboï, at Zankel Hall.