Independent since 2002 Issue No. 1102 Week of November 7, 2026 Get the free email dispatch →

Guest Commentator

Dr. Elwood Watson, PhD

BlackCommentator.com Commentator, Dr. Elwood Watson, Historian, public speaker, and cultural critic is a professor at East Tennessee State University and author of the recent book, Keepin' It Real: Essays on Race in Contemporary America (University of Chicago Press), which is available in paperback and on Kindle via Amazon and other major book retailers. Cotnact Dr.Watson and BC.

145 pieces

Guest Commentary

Black History Month – Black American History Is Vastly Distinct From Other Ethnic Groups

By Dr. Elwood Watson, PhD Guest Commentator

Since the time of this nation’s inception, Black Americans have had to wage a historically long battle, fighting to obtain rights that were supposed to be guaranteed by our constitution and that most other groups have taken for granted.

Here we are. Another year, another February, and we are deep into another Black History Month. Various institutions and individuals from all walks of life are…

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Guest Commentary

State of the Union Address – Hopeful and Affable

By Dr. Elwood Watson, PhD Guest Commentator

The former senator and vice president from my home state of Delaware delivered a first-rate performance. He is at the top of his game.

Let’s face it, when FOX News gives a Democratic politician - or any liberal in general - a B+, then you know that the individual delivered…

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Guest Commentary

The Denigration of Black Children

By Dr. Elwood Watson, PhD Guest Commentator

In recognition of Bobbi’s donation, Yale’s Peabody Museum named her as the donor scientist on its official database.

On January 20th, the Yale School of Public Health held a ceremony to celebrate Bobbi Wilson, a nine year old Black kid from Caldwell, New Jersey,…

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Guest Commentary

Tyre Nichols – Attacked Like an Animal

By Dr. Elwood Watson, PhD Guest Commentator

The fact that she was asking for forgiveness for the police officers who brutally took the life of her son, and praying for their families, while simultaneously advocating for justice was indeed a surreal and inspirational moment for people across racial lines. It was a clarion call demanding that justice be served.

The death of Black people at the hands of law enforcement has become so commonplace and routine that many of us who are Black Americans have…

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Guest Commentary

Florida’s Rejection of Advanced Placement African American History Courses

By Dr. Elwood Watson, PhD Guest Commentator

courses from various ethnic groups were given the green light to be taught by the governor’s office, yet the history, politics and culture of people of African descent was prohibited.

In his ongoing attacks in what he describes as “woke politics,” Florida governor Ron DeSantis has denied permission for an Advanced Placement African American History course…

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Guest Commentary

MLK Today

By Dr. Elwood Watson, PhD Guest Commentator

A staunch advocate for equality in all its forms, Dr. King would be front and center, fiercely challenging unscrupulous politicians, greedy businessmen. opportunistic bureaucrats.

This month, millions of Americans will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King was, without question, one of the greatest historical figures…

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Guest Commentary

Race and Masculinity

By Dr. Elwood Watson, PhD Guest Commentator

the fact (often frustrating) is that when the topic is race and masculinity, the conversations often seem to take a more myopic and predictable direction.

Over the past couple of years, the issue of masculinity has become a perennial topic of discussion. Numerous op-ed articles, books (including one by yours truly),…

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Guest Commentary

Racist and Homophobic Right-Wing Critics Greet Brittney Griner

By Dr. Elwood Watson, PhD Guest Commentator

Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for right-wing media figures to criticize the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner.

Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for right-wing media figures to criticize the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner. Griner was released on Dec. 8 by…

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Guest Commentary

The Bewildering Reality of Mass Shootings

By Dr. Elwood Watson, PhD Guest Commentator

Kelly Loving Daniel Aston Derrick Rump Ashley Paugh Raymond Green Vance

Police are continuing to investigate the motive behind the shooting in which five people were killed and at least 18 others wounded. The suspected gunman, 22-year-old…

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