NEWS COLUMNIST

Leonard Pitts Jr. won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 2004. He is the author of the novel, Before I Forget. His column runs every Sunday and Wednesday. Forward From This Moment, a collection of his columns, was released in 2009.

On Sept. 11, 2001, he wrote a column on the terrorist attacks that received a huge response from readers who deluged him with more than 26,000 e-mails. It was posted on the Internet, chain-letter style. Read the column and others on the topic of September 11.

You can also read Pitts' series, What Works?, a series of columns about programs anywhere in the country that show results in improving the lives of black children.

Leonard also wrote the 2008 series I Am A Man, commemorating the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination.

Email Leonard at lpitts@MiamiHerald.com or visit his website at www.leonardpittsjr.com

Top Story

In My Opinion

Leonard Pitts: On death penalty, wrongly accused are victims, too

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

At great political peril, George Ryan did the right thing. 1368933153

In My Opinion

Just bad judgment, or something worse?

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

Well, this is a fine mess.
Leonard Pitts: On guns and the Great American Panic Machine

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

It should’ve been the shot heard around the world. Chances are, you didn’t hear it.
In My Opinion

Pennsylvania woman ran to Key West — where else?

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

Brenda Heist wanted to run away from life. Naturally, she went to Key West.
In My opinion

Leonard Pitts: Texas case exposes racial bias in death penalty for Duane Buck

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

If the state of Texas executes Duane Buck, it’ll be because he is black.
In My Opinion

Jason Collins breaks barriers coming out with a boom!

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

Boom.
Leonard Pitts: Reese Witherspoon’s bratty question: Do you know who I am?

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

This is for the rest of us.
In My Opinion

On hate mail and the state of the Union

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

Ordinarily, I’d thank you for writing.
In My Opinion

Leonard Pitts: Rand Paul’s ‘outreach’ at Howard University a missed opportunity

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

Rand Paul did just fine at Howard University, thank you very much. Or at least, that’s how he remembers it.
In My Opinion

Americans stand defiant with Boston

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

Shortly after the explosions, there appeared on the website of The Boston Globe a video of the moment. Runners in the city’s iconic marathon are jogging across the finish line and everyone is cheering, when there is a clap of thunder and an orange bloom of fire from within a ring of flags honoring the nations represented in the race. It is followed, seconds later, by another blast from just down the street. The cheers become shrieks, falsetto shrills of panic and fear and the videographer carries you forward, to where the smoke is drifting and police, runners and bystanders rip barricades apart trying to reach the epicenter of chaos.
RACE

Leonard Pitts: Brad Paisley’s ‘Accidental Racist’ not honest

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

There are many things to say about Brad Paisley’s new song.
In My Opinion

A guy-to-guy chat with Obama over ‘best looking’ Attorney General

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

Dear Barry:
Leonard Pitts Jr. | In My Opinion

Leonard Pitts: On rape, ignorance again back in fashion

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

What we have here is a failure to communicate. Or at least, that’s Rick Ross’ story and he’s sticking to it.
In My Opinion

50 years after Birmingham: bigot released from crippling burden of hate

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

A few words on the death of Elwin Wilson.
In My Opinion

Leonard Pitts: Bitter tears, inaction after gun violence

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

Jonylah Watkins died on a Tuesday.
In My Opinion

Customer service? Not when human robots answer the phone

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

Dear Whoever is in Charge of Customer Service for DirecTV:
In My Opinion | Leonard Pitts Jr.

Leonard Pitts: It’s called living — no matter how fast it seems

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

For as much as life takes, it also gives: the solace of memories, the tough teachings of experience, the reward of grace.
In My Opinion

Rob Portman’s U-turn on gay marriage

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

Let there be no cheers for Rob Portman.
In My Opinio | Leonard Pitts Jr.

Leonard Pitts: Right to counsel? It’s stacked against the poor

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

“Make me wanna holler, way they do my life.” — Marvin Gaye, “Inner City Blues”
In My Opinion

Mayor Bloomberg as Dr. Doom fighting supersized sugary drinks

By Leonard Pitts Jr.

Perhaps you remember when Dr. Doom conquered the world.