Keith Clayborne in Black and White

A lesson in becoming a black power broker by doing business with the white media elite, courtesy of the controversial editor of The Broward Times

A A A Comments By Roger Williams Thursday, Nov 9 2000

...continued from page 6

John Christie, who until recently served as vice president of planning and strategy at the Sun-Sentinel, confirms Clayborne's opinion about the big daily's long-term plans. "Keith is an intelligent guy," Christie says. "He's a little controversial, but I'd say his judgment is extremely accurate."

Clayborne's move, however, could raise questions even among such admirers as Terry Lewis. "I'm concerned about a free black press, which emerged historically because the white press didn't cover the black community," admits Lewis. "But look, Time-Life owns 49 percent of Essence Magazine; Emergeis out of business. The point is, things change, and it's a business. I just hope Keith maintains control over content. If not, if he becomes just a subsidiary [of the Sun-Sentinel], then that may not be good."

Joshua Prezant

Publisher Bobby Henry's Westside Gazette publishes few opinions critical of black leaders

More About

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Weekly Newsletter: Our weekly feature stories, movie reviews, calendar picks and more - minus the newsprint and sent directly to your inbox.

On a bright afternoon a week after Eggelletion's election victory, state senator Mandy Dawson (D-Fort Lauderdale) is leaving Clayborne's home after an hourlong unannounced visit.

"I can't figure out what she really wanted," he says, walking into his paneled office. "But she brought this." In his hand is a palm-size translation of The Art of War by the Chinese general Sun-tzu, a 2400-year-old treatise that became all the rage among business executives, politicians, and senior military officers in the '80s. "She's going to be head of the Broward delegation [in Tallahassee]," Clayborne says, impressed. "That's a very powerful position."

He puts the book on his desk. Clayborne has never heard of Sun-tzu, but the significance of the gesture is clear: The head of Broward's delegation has come bearing gifts, in effect to kiss Clayborne's ring, to acknowledge his influence among Broward's black population. She even asked him to give her advice, to help her establish goals.

Clayborne claims to feel discomfort in that role, but he is also smiling.

"I told her she's the elected leader, and those matters are her business," he says. "But I did suggest she focus on just one thing that's doable, and get it done. One thing at a time."

He looks at the load of work facing him from desk and computer. That's for today. But for tomorrow? "I could see myself in the role of a political adviser someday," he muses.