When you get a call in the middle of the night, it's never good news. I am truly devastated.Rufus Shaw and Lynn Flint Shaw were two people that I truly looked up to. Neither of them never pulled any punches, and contrary to most of the people that talk about our part of town (elected or not), they really cared about southern Dallas and did what they could to improve it and inspire others.
Beyond being known as a world record holder in high school track and field, Rufus was a writing and thought-provoking machine. He was a pundit before the term was prominent. His mind and spirit will be missed.
I still remember the conversation that Lynn and I had when my D Magazine story came out. Very few people in my part of town called me when it got published. But she did, and we talked for some time about the state of this city and her passion for improving the part of town in which we lived. Rufus is what I would call, one of 'the realest.' Rufus was a person that encouraged me to say what I felt, expose the truth, and to never back down from the haters.
They both made sacrifices in this town to speak their minds and tell things how they need to be told. All I can do is be grateful to them for welcoming me to Oak Cliff, encouraging me to write, and be active in my community. And now they're both gone.
You never know what type of pressure people are under. This is a praying time.
Don't look for any posts for the next day or so.
4 comments:
RIP Rufus, and Lynn. I don't know what drove you to surrender, but Dallas is suddenly much, much poorer with your passing.
I hope they found peace.
Michael: I share your sense of loss and also mourn Rufus and Lynn. I talked with Rufus more than once when I was at D Magazine and always found his columns to be full of insight, even on the occasions when I disagreed with him. His was a unique voice and an important one. That conditions in Dallas could have led to this tragedy is something that warrants much reflection, and commitment to a less divisive future.
Rod
Michael, I share your sense of loss for Rufus and Lynn. I had a number of conversations with Rufus when I was at D Magazine and always enjoyed and profited from his insights, including those in his column. His commitment to creating a a voice "south of the Trinity" was remarkable, and rang true even when it prompted disagreement. More such voices, especially in the media, are needed. Yet even in this tragic silence, Rufus speaks to those who know how to listen.
It has been hard to shake the feeling of sadness today.
Post a Comment