I think it would be good if the black bar linked to the news article or HN post.
I understand the technical sentiment behind your suggestion, but don't believe it consistent with what the black bar means to express. Perhaps I see it analogous to a footballer's armband worn in tribute to a club's very late former player.
I don't think having the black bar being a link goes against that sentiment. When a footballer wears such an armband, an observant (but out-of-the-loop) spectator would ask "why are they wearing that black armband?" and either be told by the announcers, friends, or have to look it up. We just don't have the technology to attach a "link" IRL to an armband or a flag flying at half-mast. In this situation, a link would be beneficial without taking away from the respects being paid, IMHO.
In the case of asking a fellow club supporter there is a social act that reinforces the community. Likewise, with a public announcement in the stadium. Clicking a link is solipsistic. It's a technical puzzle subject to all the distraction [case in point] of opinionated arguments about UI design A versus B.
To me, the black bar seems to be pretty close the minimum needed to fulfill the purpose.
Even something in the FAQ about it would be helpful, I wouldn't have known what the black bar was for if I hadn't seen it previously and someone made a post just like this.
yes the black arm band is what I thought of as well. In this case it is probably the color that best contrasts with HN orange.
Sorry if this sounds bad, but without having to read the article, what exactly does the bar signify?
It's added as a mark of respect when someone important to the community dies, in this case it's Gene Amdahl.
It is done from time to time on Hacker News during a significant death in the computer/hacker world.