Movin' and Shakin'

One of the great things about being in journalism is having the license to call people up just because they are movers and shakers and you want to know who they are or what they are all about. (Of course they may not pick up the phone, but... ) This interview comes of that license. When we learned that corporate lawyer Ralph Everett had been tapped -- and had agreed -- to take on the leadership of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, considered the nation's premier black-oriented think tank, we really wanted to know more about him.

Why? Well, in some cities this may not be a big deal, but in Washington it is.

The Joint Center, like other "think tanks," is an important source of research and policy information. It feeds reporters and policy makers alike with the kind of information you can't get anywhere else, but it has a special niche, focusing on issues of particular importance to African-Americans.

Ralph Everett has been a trailblazer in many respects, as a lead staffer on Capitol Hill, as the first black managing partner at a major Washington law firm. I wondered why he, having achieved what some would consider the pinnacle of career success in his chosen field, would be inspired to take on a non-profit, however prestigious. I always think it's fun to ask people why they do what they do. And I also think it's fun to check in with people who are "firsts." This kind of reporting is probably going to go away at some point -- the "first" minority person or woman to do this or that thing will become passe. But it hasn't yet, and while we're still noticing these things, it's interesting to hear about what it's like (or was like) to be one of these trailblazers.

In that spirit, this interview aired today on News & Notes, which has been following new power players on Capitol Hill among other important subjects. Check it out and let us know what you think.

And as for us, we're piloting away! We finished our first "real-time" pilot last week and we hope to let you hear it soon. We learned we have some kinks to work out -- for example, I managed to forget to leave enough time after my interviews to announce the upcoming segments. And some people say I talk too fast (So?! I'm from New York already!). But, hey, that's what piloting is all about.

Michel Martin

3:19 PM ET | 03- 5-2007 | permalink

comments | | e-mail

3:19 PM ET | 03- 5-2007 | permalink