Pegasus News content partner interview: Larry James’ Urban Daily

by Alex Bentley

Larry James' Urban Daily is another one of our oldest content partners, with his first post coming on November 16, 2006. And he sure knew how to kick things off, taking on Farmers Branch and their anti-immigrant stance. Since then, he has touched on a number of issues, but most of his posts have dealt with poverty and the homeless in Dallas.

Pegasus News: When did you start Urban Daily and what were your reasons for starting it?

James: Dec 2004; I started it because no one I knew locally was writing to issues of urban poverty, policy and community development and because I needed an outlet given all that I see day by day.

Pegasus News: What is the exact focus of your blog and when did your interest in those issues start?

James: A repository of ideas, resources, commentary and opinions concerning the issues facing low-income residents of the inner cities of the United States and how mainstream America largely forgets or, worse, ignores the day-to-day realities of urban life for the so-called "poor." I began to think this way at least 30 years ago when I lived in Memphis, TN and then Shreveport, LA and New Orleans.

Pegasus News: What would you like your readers to get out of your blog?

James: Fresh insights into the city, urban life and the urban poor and marginalized so that all could begin to regard the commonality we share as a basis for a new community together.

Pegasus News: What role, if any, do your readers play in how you approach your blog?

James: My readers weigh in freely with almost no editing from me. I respond at times to their concerns; but mainly, I try to open a window on my world to people who possibly don't see or understand it. As a result, I think often of what I ought to try to show my readers.

Pegasus News: Has the experience of writing the blog changed how you approach your job or writing the blog itself?

James: Yes. Writing has become almost like daily journaling for me. I write to care for my heart, to maintain balance and to keep going in my work. It helps to have a community of readers.

Pegasus News: Have there been any posts that you've done that are particularly memorable for you? If so, why?

James: My most memorable posts were in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Many readers took exception to my comments on the failure of the public officials to respond appropriately to the disaster.

Pegasus News: Why did you decide to start a content partnership with Pegasus News?

James: I was invited.

Pegasus News: What do you see as the future of your blog?

James: I see it going strong for a long time. I am adding video to the posts now and I hope to keep churning out the info.