By Antonio D. French
Filed Monday, February 12, 2007 at 6:03 AM
This reporter joined many others in a collective "WTF?!" when he read in the current issue of the St. Louis American that the Organization for Black Struggle had endorsed incumbent Jim Shrewsbury (who is white) over challenger Lewis Reed (who is black) in next month's President of the Board of Aldermen race.
Well, turns out, the authors of the American's "Political Eye" column have once again gotten their facts wrong.
In an open letter to the American's publisher, Donald Suggs, and the paper's editor, Chris King, OBS spokesperson Kalimu Endesha wrote:
"In the most recent Political Eye, the St. Louis American saw fit to engage in the kind of reckless journalism and scurrilous name-calling it often accuses others of when they disagree with the newspaper or its publisher."
"With no documentation and no follow up to confirm its story, the American reported that the Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) had endorsed James Shrewsbury in his re-election bid for President of the Board of Alderman. This is an absolute lie!"
"On behalf of our members and our many supporters, we demand a written and public apology for your malicious attack."
"To erroneously report on an endorsement is one thing. However, to use that as a basis for attacking our history and credibility is quite another. The scandalous attack on the reputation of the Organization for Black Struggle was totally unfounded and to use the American's own words, 'reactionary'. There was only one half of one sentence in the whole piece that was accurate and that is OBS 'began its existence as a radical revolutionary group'."
"OBS has worked tirelessly in the interest of the African-American community for 27 years. There are no back-room deals or under-the-table payoffs in our history. Our operations are transparent and our integrity has endured the test of time."
"We have participated in the advancement of black political power for many years and in that process endorsed many candidates. OBS has never, ever endorsed a white candidate over an African-American candidate. This is more than can be said of the St. Louis American."
Also... State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, who is also mentioned in the American's story, tells Pub Def that her position was also misrepresented. She has "absolutely not" endorsed Shrewsbury.
Well, turns out, the authors of the American's "Political Eye" column have once again gotten their facts wrong.
In an open letter to the American's publisher, Donald Suggs, and the paper's editor, Chris King, OBS spokesperson Kalimu Endesha wrote:
"In the most recent Political Eye, the St. Louis American saw fit to engage in the kind of reckless journalism and scurrilous name-calling it often accuses others of when they disagree with the newspaper or its publisher."
"With no documentation and no follow up to confirm its story, the American reported that the Organization for Black Struggle (OBS) had endorsed James Shrewsbury in his re-election bid for President of the Board of Alderman. This is an absolute lie!"
"On behalf of our members and our many supporters, we demand a written and public apology for your malicious attack."
"To erroneously report on an endorsement is one thing. However, to use that as a basis for attacking our history and credibility is quite another. The scandalous attack on the reputation of the Organization for Black Struggle was totally unfounded and to use the American's own words, 'reactionary'. There was only one half of one sentence in the whole piece that was accurate and that is OBS 'began its existence as a radical revolutionary group'."
"OBS has worked tirelessly in the interest of the African-American community for 27 years. There are no back-room deals or under-the-table payoffs in our history. Our operations are transparent and our integrity has endured the test of time."
"We have participated in the advancement of black political power for many years and in that process endorsed many candidates. OBS has never, ever endorsed a white candidate over an African-American candidate. This is more than can be said of the St. Louis American."
Also... State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, who is also mentioned in the American's story, tells Pub Def that her position was also misrepresented. She has "absolutely not" endorsed Shrewsbury.
Labels: BOA_President_Race, Media_Watch
5 Comments:
If it's back-room deals and under-the-table payoffs, I think the American was confusing OBS with its favored Roundtable.
2/12/2007 9:54 AM
Chris King is sweating hard.
Over on the political eye "blog" he is pointing to Virvus Jones and Donald Suggs and saying it wasn't me.
Will 2007 be the misprint year, or am I just paying attention?
2/12/2007 10:53 AM
I dont see that on the stlamerican blog; what am I missing?
2/12/2007 6:31 PM
I still want to know why Chris King refuses to display his picture in the American. I have seen him proudly display his mug in other publication (white) where he displays his credentials. Maybe Suggs is ashamed of his writer that writes with a black face.
2/13/2007 8:37 AM
It is most ironic that Jamillah Rogers is a writer for the American and a founding member of OBS. I guess it was too much to just get a little confirmation from her before it went out. Boy that was a slap in the face. Hell Donald Suggs doesn't read his own stuff before it goes out. He should have caught that. Tsk Tsk What is in that paper and who writes and runs it is a reflection of his leadership or lack thereof. It would be different if this were the first time. This, however, is becoming very routine to spout their filthy opinions with no proof. Seems more like the Whirl and the Enquirer than real journalism.
2/13/2007 12:53 PM
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