TJMS: Roland Martin Addresses Shirley Sherrod Issue, Offers On Air Apology

Roland I am of strong belief that what America needs now is a dialog on race and media. It will never happen, but if there was a honest panel discussion with you, Glenn Beck, Tavis Smily, Rush Limbaugh, and many others included, I think that it will cease the flames that has flared since Obama came into office. It is long over due! Is it possible? I pray that we don't experince a tragic situation based on race. –Kavin Ross

This whole matter related to Mrs. Sherrod could have been avoided with a little bit of old fashioned journalism which simply involves checking the facts. Ben Jealous's claim that “we were snookered” is embarassing, as is Tom Vilzack framing their response, and reactions as a “rush to judgement.” All were “bamboozled” by Breitbart because the difference between a “snooker” and a “bamboozle” is that a “Snooker” is targetted, while a “Bamboozle” is broadcast. Breitbart's action was to release a salacious “broadcast” designed to solicit a “knee jerk” reaction, perfect bait for this era of “gotta have a gimmick” pseudo-journalism.

Thank you very much for apologizing.

I saw you on-air story about being denied a job because you wre black. I'm Black and 52 and have been pulled over by Los Angeles Sherrif's 12 times in 2 years for non moving violations.

I personally don't think Mr. Martin owes Ms. Sherrod an apology. If I understood correctly Mr. Martin message was we not only need to focus on positive thing we also need to have positive talk. Actually, I had the same thought the minutes I heard her speech. Why on earth she needs to add such negative in to her speech. Especially, being a minority herself she should have know. Duh! Yes, I am a minority myself. Being a Christian I am a minority. Being a woman I am a minority. Being Asian I am a minority. I do feel sorry for her but get her off the news, media, etc. Enough of that. No, Mrs. Sherrod, regardless what year you were born discrimination is very real in 2010. My American Adopted Mom was prejudice against and they didn't offer her a job just because she was not young and a few other reasons…. Yes, it was hurt the same as if she was black or yellow or red, or whatever…

MR ROLAND MARTIN

I AM GLAD TO HEAR OF YOUR APOLOGY TO MRS SHIRLEY SHERROD, ROLAND,I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN TEXAS, AND I UNDERSTAND THE BACKWARD TREATMENT OF PEOPLE OF COLOR, , THEN AND NOW. MY GRAND MOTHER WAS SEVEN YEARS A SLAVE. I AM HAPPY TO WITNESS THAT SHE WAS PROVEN TO BE GENUINE IN HER WAY OF THINKING AND ACTIONS.

Ms. Sherrod and her husband were foot soldiers in the Civil Rights movement and faced untold dangers while fighting the injustices visited upon black people; she galvanized that experience to fight for the rights of poor farmers, black and white. The beautiful thing about Ms. Sherrod is she remained in her rural community and continued to be an advocate for the poor and prevail over the Klan and racism.