……………pointed out the difference between them: Tavis as the “more like an advocacy journalist” (his words) on the soapbox, Gwen the MSM journalist who is uncomfortable with expressing opinion.

Although Tavis’ journalistic credentials are up for debate (are talk show hosts “real” journalists or “honorary” journalists?), I’m glad he’s there to explain, and show, the difference between the two of them. I’ve read too much of Ida B. Wells and Frederick Douglass to believe all Black journalists—MSM and others—are from that tradition, although they all claim it. (Who wouldn’t, right? 🙂 )

But allathat’s my issue. Since America is the home of the First Amendment and I’m not King of the Universe, I can’t stop anybody from claiming or not claiming anything.

And since anyone can say he or she is a journalist, perhaps all of this is moot, and we should just all define our unlicensed roles for ourselves. Like Tavis and Gwen did, and do.

And so I’ll continue to give what I believe to be an educated analysis as a credentialed historian of Black media, and Black MSM journalists can reply, “SO?? That doesn’t make your word final.” And the beat will go on.