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Erin Aubry Kaplan

Erin Aubry Kaplan is a contributing editor to the op-ed section of the Los Angeles Times and a contributing writer to Essence magazine. She lives in Los Angeles.

Barack Obama at his election night rally after being declared the winner of the 2008 U.S. Presidential Campaign in Chicago, November 4, 2008. (Reuters/Jeff Haynes)

Obama as folk hero: To be what he’s trying to be — black, idealistic and president — is nothing less than superhuman

Erin Aubry Kaplan
(<a href='http://www.istockphoto.com/profile/jimschemel'>JimSchemel</a> via <a href='http://www.istockphoto.com/'>iStock</a>)

I fell in love with “the villain”: My sources expected outrage. I married him instead

Erin Aubry Kaplan
Gabourey Sidibe, left, and Mo'Nique in "Precious."

“Precious” in the age of Obama

Erin Aubry Kaplan
Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks takes it all off

Erin Aubry Kaplan

The Michelle Obama hair challenge

Erin Aubry Kaplan

First lady got back

Erin Aubry Kaplan

Who’s afraid of Michelle Obama?

Erin Aubry Kaplan

After Jena

Erin Aubry Kaplan

Black like me — but not too black

Erin Aubry Kaplan

The color of love

Erin Aubry Kaplan

Post-traumatic slavery syndrome

Erin Aubry Kaplan