RIP, Saundra Smokes
Aug. 8th, 2012 11:30 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
thisnewdayA passionate, articulate, and well-regarded voice for the black community in Syracuse has been suddenly and unexpectedly silenced. She began her career as a "coffee girl" in the offices of the Syracuse newspapers in 1977 and went on to become a nationally-syndicated and award-winning columnist.
On the personal side, she adopted two of her nieces and a nephew to prevent them from being lost in the foster-care system. And on Sunday she had an article published which may well stand as her personal best, about the divergent paths taken by her nephew and his childhood best friend. She died at home this morning at the age of 57. RIP, Saundra Smokes.
Below is my comment, following the announcement of her passing, in the online edition of the Syracuse Post Standard.
In her recent article about the ultimately divergent lives of her nephew and his childhood friend, Ms. Smokes wrote with the passion and perspective that drew many of us to her in her earliest days with the Syracuse newspapers. When I read it, I thought, "She's really back."
I'm glad that she gave us that article, glad for her readers, for the Syracuse community, and for her family. I'm glad especially that she challenged us, one last time, to consider our common humanity and to understand that triumph and tragedy can grow up the closest of neighbors.
Sincere condolences to her family and friends and to her co-workers at the Post-Standard...
LPK
LiveJournal
8.8.2012
On the personal side, she adopted two of her nieces and a nephew to prevent them from being lost in the foster-care system. And on Sunday she had an article published which may well stand as her personal best, about the divergent paths taken by her nephew and his childhood best friend. She died at home this morning at the age of 57. RIP, Saundra Smokes.
Below is my comment, following the announcement of her passing, in the online edition of the Syracuse Post Standard.
In her recent article about the ultimately divergent lives of her nephew and his childhood friend, Ms. Smokes wrote with the passion and perspective that drew many of us to her in her earliest days with the Syracuse newspapers. When I read it, I thought, "She's really back."
I'm glad that she gave us that article, glad for her readers, for the Syracuse community, and for her family. I'm glad especially that she challenged us, one last time, to consider our common humanity and to understand that triumph and tragedy can grow up the closest of neighbors.
Sincere condolences to her family and friends and to her co-workers at the Post-Standard...
LPK
LiveJournal
8.8.2012
