John Lewis’ Tentacles of Goodness Also Touched the Tennis World
A week-long celebration of the life of U.S. Congressman John R. Lewis ends in Georgia Thursday where the legendary Civil Rights leader will be buried, [...]
The Conscience of Congress’ Legacy Marches On
“I want to see young people in America feel the spirit of the 1960s and find a way to get in the way. To find [...]
Superstars and Tennis’ Rising Stars Back Black Lives Matter Movement
America’s superstars aren’t the only athletes condemning the deaths of blacks-while-breathing while in police custody and praising hundreds of thousands of protesters, who’ve spent more [...]
Racism: Problem of the 20th Century Moves On
As I slid my key into the front door of my parents’ Hampton, Va. apartment, I heard screeching car wheels slide to a halt about [...]
Les Payne: Consummate Journalist, Fearless Ally, Unswerving Friend – Part III
Part III While tennis great Arthur Ashe broke racial barriers in South Africa in 1973 by becoming the first black to compete in a pro [...]
Les Payne: Consummate Journalist, Fearless Ally, Unswerving Friend – Part II
Part II Les Payne proved to be a quick study as Newsday’s beat reporter, covering the town of Babylon, N.Y. He also drew high praise [...]
Les Payne: Consummate Journalist, Fearless Ally, Unswerving Friend – Part I
Part I In the summer of 1970, I landed my “dream” job just by being in the right place at the right time, with a [...]
Amid Chaos and Uncertainty Under Trump, America Totters on the Brink
I’m not super-hyped about casting my vote in the 2020 presidential elections. I know I should be; all freedom-loving Americans should be. Many of us, [...]
Hank Aaron stays in the box on issues of race
One of the more memorable moments of my career occurred more than 40 years ago when I, then a Newsday sports writer, interviewed Henry Aaron [...]