I was pleasantly surprised to see that Tavis kept his “product” consistent. Compared to C-SPAN, CNN, et. al., last night’s forum seemed like it occurred in an alternate Black (albeit “mainstream”) universe.

The questioners showed why journalism experience still matters. I learned a lot about the condition of Black and Brown people in America from those questions. And I loved Cornel West’s quip about the journos in today’s “Journal-isms.” 🙂

The format left a lot to be desired, but it worked for those who knew how to make it work.

I get annoyed with Tavis sometimes, but not today. Lead on, homie, and let’s see what happens at Morgan this fall.

JULY 1 UPDATE: Tavis did well on “Meet The Press” today.  Being invited to be on that political roundtable is proof that the nation’s elite has now officially recognized you.

JULY 5 UPDATE: This criticism of the event is well-thought out and needs to be read and debated. It echoes many of my own problems with Tavis’ events. I think the difference is I’ve accepted what Tavis’ self-defined role as an agent of “Black hegemony.” Until Black leaders decide to put some real money behind the creation of a Black mass media structure, there we are, then. The folks I saw in the Howard crowd—a large number of them nationally known African-American notables, leaders, etc.—were happy with Tavis’ show. And I have learned the hard way not to be angrier than my people, particularly my “leaders.”