Les Payne

Les Payne was a distinguished American journalist, editor, and author known for his insightful and impactful work, often exploring themes of race, politics, and justice. Born on July 12, 1941, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Payne was a trailblazer who achieved great heights in his field. Over his illustrious career, he won a Pulitzer Prize and co-founded the National Association of Black Journalists. As an editor and columnist at Newsday, he shaped many critical narratives and championed investigative journalism. Payne also dedicated years to working on the biography of Malcolm X, which was posthumously completed by his daughter, Tamara Payne.