Les Payne

Les Payne (1941-2018) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, editor and columnist who worked at Newsday for nearly four decades. He was known for his investigative reporting on civil rights, race relations and international affairs, particularly his coverage of the Black liberation movement and South African apartheid. During his career at Newsday, Payne rose from reporter to columnist to editor, becoming one of the highest-ranking African American journalists in American newspapers at the time. His series "The Heroin Trail," which traced drug trafficking from Turkey to the United States, won the 1974 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. As a founding member and former president of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Payne worked to increase diversity in American newsrooms and mentor young journalists. His final work, "The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X," was completed by his daughter Tamara Payne and published posthumously in 2020, winning the National Book Award for Nonfiction. Payne's journalistic career included coverage of major historical events like the Vietnam War, the Symbionese Liberation Army, and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His commitment to truthful reporting and social justice made him a significant figure in American journalism during the latter half of the 20th century.

Readers praise Payne's thorough research and investigative depth, particularly in "The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X." Many note his ability to uncover new details and perspectives through extensive interviews and document analysis. What readers liked: - Detailed family interviews and new sources about Malcolm X - Clear, straightforward writing style - Historical context and background information - Personal accounts from witnesses and contemporaries What readers disliked: - Some found the chronological jumps confusing - Several mentioned the book's length and dense detail could be overwhelming - A few noted redundant passages - Some wanted more analysis of Malcolm X's speeches and writings Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,900+ ratings) Notable reader comment: "Payne's decades of research show in every chapter. He lets the facts and interviews speak for themselves without inserting his own interpretations." - Amazon reviewer A common thread in reviews is appreciation for Payne's journalistic approach and commitment to primary sources.

The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X (2020) A comprehensive biography of Malcolm X based on three decades of research and hundreds of interviews with his family members, friends, and associates, providing new insights into the civil rights leader's life and legacy.

Manning Marable - His biography "Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention" investigates similar themes as Payne's work on Malcolm X, using extensive research and original sources. His focus on civil rights history and African American political movements parallels Payne's journalistic interests.

David Remnick - His work combines investigative journalism with biographical storytelling, as demonstrated in "King of the World: Muhammad Ali and the Rise of an American Hero." His experience as both a reporter and editor at major publications mirrors Payne's career path.

Isabel Wilkerson - Her books examine racial dynamics in America through deep historical research and narrative journalism, particularly in "The Warmth of Other Suns." She shares Payne's commitment to documenting African American experiences and civil rights history.

Alex Haley - His work "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" provides a foundational text on Malcolm X's life through direct interviews and primary sources. His background in journalism and focus on African American historical figures aligns with Payne's approach.

Taylor Branch - His trilogy on Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights era demonstrates similar dedication to exhaustive research and historical documentation. His work combines civil rights history with investigative reporting techniques that parallel Payne's methods.