Archive for the Battinto Batts Jr. Category
Thank you E. Lynn Harris
E. Lynn Harris: 1995-2009
It was the mid-1990s and I was in my late 20s, a stage when I was exiting my young and shall I say adventurous bachelor life and beginning to think about settling down. Like many other young African American men, I had strong opinions about homosexuality. My strong opinion was keep it [...]
Thank you E. Lynn Harris
E. Lynn Harris: 1995-2009
It was the mid-1990s and I was in my late 20s, a stage when I was exiting my young and shall I say adventurous bachelor life and beginning to think about settling down. Like many other young African American men, I had strong opinions about homosexuality. My strong opinion was keep it [...]
The issue of race is front and center
Henry Louis Gates' arrest brought an impassioned response from President Obama
When it comes to issues of race and the debates surrounding it, I typically take the approach that President Obama uses. While cognizant of the problems and aware that they impact me in a profound way, I do not wear my opinions on my sleeve. [...]
The death of Steve McNair
I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
That right there tells you that I must hate the Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens. You are correct.
But I only hate them as teams, not the individuals who play on the teams. I have tremendous respect for the great players on their rosters. And Steve McNair was one of [...]
Goodbye Sarah…
Last week, I wrote two tributes to pop culture icons who passed away on the same day. Farah Fawcett and Michael Jackson died hours apart; she of complications from cancer; he of causes as yet unknown.
This week, I am writing the eulogy for Sarah Palin’s political career. You have to give it to this woman, [...]
The penalty for inaction
Traffic at the infamous Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel
I have to wonder…
What if we held a referendum on Thursday in Hampton Roads where voters would have to decide whether to increase taxes for transportation improvements? I wonder what the outcome would have been? First, the turnout to the polls might have been sparse because many people [...]
On the passing of an icon
I didn’t expect to be writing again today, but I could not ignore the passing of Michael Jackson.
I will be honest, I was never a devout fan of “The King of Pop,” but I loved his Thriller album. I have the “Beat It” video on my iPhone. I liked his dance moves. I was not [...]
Farah Fawcett
Farah Fawcett, the one-time hearthrob of many men, young and old, passed away today after a long battle with cancer. She was 62. May she rest in peace, another person taken too soon by this dreaded disease.
Farah’s pinup girl status provides us a lens by which to examine race and pop culture.
I, like many other [...]
The passing of a hero and friend
Pernell Wallace, 59. My hero.
Pernell Wallace wasn’t rich – at least as far as I know.
He wasn’t a CEO. I don’t believe he had any entrepreneurial endeavors.
He didn’t have an outsized personality. I never saw Pernell gravitate toward the spotlight.
Pernell Wallace was a security guard at The Virginian-Pilot. His position was perhaps the least glamorous in [...]
A discussion with an elder
I went over to Hampton University today, where I am on the faculty as an assistant professor of journalism. I’d planned to spend a few hours in the office, mingling with colleagues and discussing ideas and curriculum for next year.
Tony Brown, the outgoing dean of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, has always [...]