Karen Grigsby Bates
Karen Grigsby Bates
@kgbates.bsky.social
Writer. Thinker. NPR journalist for 20+ years. Author (“Basic Black,” “Plain Brown Wrapper,” “Chosen People”). Passionate reader. Takes no tea for the fever.
Commodities, not commodes. (Although he did have his epiphany in the club’s bathroom, if I remember correctly…)
December 24, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Iconic photo taken by the great Eve Arnold in 1960.
Life Magazine assigned her to do a photo essay on Malcolm. She declared him “one of the most dynamic leaders” of our age.
December 24, 2025 at 1:54 AM
His explanation of how commodes and futures work was one of my favorite scenes in any movie anywhere. Talk about breaking things down in a user-friendly way!
December 24, 2025 at 1:47 AM
That’s quite an accomplishment. Proud of you.
December 23, 2025 at 6:03 AM
Strange because as I understand it, all his children are…vaccinated.
December 21, 2025 at 3:38 PM
I’m shocked, shocked!
December 21, 2025 at 2:18 PM
“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” French proverb

“Same as it ever was….” David Byrne
December 21, 2025 at 2:16 PM
🤣🤣🤣❤️
December 21, 2025 at 2:14 PM
What happens when you and an AKA cross paths?….
December 19, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Don’t worry—we know who you meant.
December 18, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Right? People been suggesting it, but nobody who can do anything about it is listening.
December 18, 2025 at 2:08 AM
People need to understand that the hero who disarmed one of the shooters is also Muslim.
December 16, 2025 at 3:01 AM
I don’t know about their poi—or I shouldn’t. And that is the problem.
December 10, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Done with this guy after his sham of an interview w Ta’nahesi Coates last year. Done with CBS after Shari Redstone’s spineless response to same. CBS used to be referred to as The Tiffany Network. Now it’s not even bad costume jewelry.
December 10, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Good point. The closest thing that existed back then was Black radio, which was instrumental in disseminating useful news about meeting logistics, pick up points for rides, etc. The relentless negativity of social probably would have ended the boycott way sooner.
December 7, 2025 at 3:35 PM
I think the kids are moving back that way. One cannot live by MidCentury Modern alone. Or, at the other end, any of the Louis. Although the current occupant of the Oval Office seems to be trying to do just that.
December 7, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Some are slowly migrating over, but again, the follows aren’t automatic.
December 7, 2025 at 1:36 AM