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Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ta-Nehisi Coates - Ta-Nehisi Coates is a senior editor for The Atlantic, where he writes about culture, politics, and social issues for TheAtlantic.com and the magazine. He is the author of the memoir The Beautiful Struggle. More

Born in 1975, the product of two beautiful parents. Raised in West Baltimore—not quite The Wire, but sometimes ill all the same. Studied at the Mecca for some years in the mid-’90s. Emerged with a purpose, if not a degree. Slowly migrated up the East Coast with a baby and my beloved, until I reached the shores of Harlem. Wrote some stuff along the way.
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One Spokesperson to Lead Them All

By Ta-Nehisi Coates

Jul 17 2008, 11:05 AM ET Comment

Given that media seems to function best when only having to deal with one person who can sum up the hopes and ambitions of black folks, I asked for nominations for black spokesperson. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton both seem so 1995. Please vote your conscious, and say a short word in support of your vote.White people, have no fear, you may vote too. Furthermore we shall hold a contest for your spokesperson next week. I have to say that the Black Eyed Peas seem to be early favorites in the race to speak for All White People, though we must keep in eye darkhorses like Toby Keith





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