Traditional Journalism Is Dead

In 2001, I began my career as a journalist at a small newspaper in Beaufort, S.C. During my three years there, praise was rare, but criticism happened as often as the sun came up.

I was often called out for only covering African American stories. I remember the time I was the subject of a Community Radio Show, for a controversial story I did about one of the high schools. I wanted to defend myself, to go on that radio show and set the record straight. But I was a journalist, and that meant being objective and open to critics. My job was to report the news and not be a part of it.

Fast forward to today. Fox News' Bill O'Reilly and CNN's Don Lemon were sparring via social media over a story about national security adviser Susan Rice.  O'Reilly claimed that Lemon declined to cover the story - which brought this Twitter response from the CNN newsman.

False. I did not refuse to cover the story. But I did cover your sexual harassment allegations. Did you? https://t.co/sJ5mQQgx2E

— Don Lemon (@donlemon) April 4, 2017

For those who are not in the know, Mr. O'Reilly and Fox  paid $13 million to settle sexual harassment lawsuits brought forth by several women. Now - before we go too far into the weeds, let me say this.

The fiery social media exchange between the two is uncalled for and is in effect everything that is wrong in journalism today. O'Reilly is not in a position to be critical of anyone because his objectivity has been compromised due to the lawsuit settlements. How could he ever cover a sexual harassment suit, again?

Lemon isn’t exempt. The CNN newsman’s response through social media, while praised by many, taints his objectivity. When you are a journalist - not an entertainer- but a journalist, you have to take your bumps and criticisms. You don't try and give back as good as you get. When that happens you often end up on the other side of the camera. You have to be impartial at all times, so that your integrity and objectivity can never be questioned.

Otherwise, people won't believe you and claim you're pushing fake news.

These two aren't the only ones who are guilty of this. Journalists have now become celebrities and celebrities are masking around as journalists. News reporters are unfortunately becoming the stars of their own stories - sometimes through no fault of their own.

In this day and age, journalism needs to get back to the basics.  This exchange between Fox News host Sean Hannity and veteran journalist Ted Koppel illustrates the argument best. R.I.P. journalism.

Blessings in the Potty

My 2-year-old son Moses did something that shocked me the other day.

He got up, walked to the toilet and used the bathroom all by himself. Moses did it without any help and more importantly, without any mistakes.

As soon as his mom got home from work, I told her the wondrous tale and we all danced around in merriment and jubilee. Even his 5-year-old sister was happy!

Well maybe I'm exaggerating just a little. Maybe there wasn't dancing and that much fanfare. Maybe it was more of a smile stretching from ear-to-ear as acknowledgement that finally our little boy was starting to get the concept of using the restroom. And just maybe it was more that we were thankful to God for this blessing.

So, I have a question for the people reading this. In a world where we constantly deal with issues and pressures - is there anything you're thankful for? Is there anything no matter how big or small that
you're genuinely happy about?

I know I'm happy. I'm happy my son went to the potty by himself. And that is a victory in itself for me.

Remembering Aaron

Today was hard. I kept thinking about my life and some of the challenges I'm facing and then I began thinking about my son Aaron.

All these questions just poured into my head.

I kept thinking what I would buy him for Christmas. What would he be like if he was here now? How would he act around his brother and sister? Would he drive his mother crazy? Would I be teaching him how to play basketball? Would I be a good father?

Earlier this month, my wife and I went to honor his memory at a Memorial held at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Each year we light a candle. My little boy would be 6-years-old. They say you can get through it, but you'll never get over it. I have to agree. They're right. I'll always remember you Aaron.

The following is the first verse of Kanye West's song Only One, only altered to reflect my experience. So no this is not original by any means. But it's how I feel.

As I lay me down to sleep

I hear Aaron speak to me

Hello 'Daddy, how ya doin'?

I think the storm ran out of rain, the clouds are movin'

I know you're happy, cause I can see it

So tell the voice inside ya' head to believe it

I talked to God about you, he said he sent you an angel

And look at all that he gave you

You asked for one and you got two

You know I never left you

Cause every road that leads to heaven's right beside you

So one day we'll meet again, just keep the love in your heart