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by De’Juan Galloway

Traditionally, when the media wanted African-American commentary on the news topic of the day, there were the predictable go-to-guys: Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson or Reverend [insert name here], to name a few. However, in the midst of a digital revolution and in the age of Obama, a new generation of African-American scholars has emerged. While they are all educated, opinionated and engaged, interchangeable they are not.

It is their experiences combined with their individuality that shape their resounding and distinctive voices. Nowadays, in order to have a fresh and modern analysis of political and cultural affairs, the media and the public welcomes these faces. Beyond the national press, these individuals have adopted the social web [Twitter, Facebook] and personal websites as vehicles to communicate their insights and advocate on behalf of the issues dearest to them. Through writings, activism, interviews and commentary, they have proved to be some of the most interesting African-American voices heard above the crowd. And, obviously, there are many riveting pundits out there but we had to narrow down our list to a mere 11. Feel free to cast your votes for other commentators we didn’t mention in our comments section or on Twitter with the hashtag #blackpundits.

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Twitter Handle: @Tanehisi

Web: TheAtlantic.com

Excerpt: On black support of Proposition 8 (gay marriage)…. “There is a deeper dislogic haunting this country on race. It can’t be beaten with facts, stats and arguments. The notion that black people are a problem is superreligious. It is bone-deep.”

About: Ta-Nehisi Coates’ is the senior editor of TheAtlantic.com, where he blogs about culture, politics and society. The Baltimore native is at his best when he ties events of the past to a “contemporary” analyses i.e his reflections on the Civil War illuminate an interesting connection to modern day trials.

Book: “The Beautiful Struggle: A Father, Two sons, and an Unlikely Road to Manhood”.

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