I used to walk around saying that I'm just another black man without a college degree.

I don't know how one would define an affirmative-action hire. I ultimately do not know what role race played in my hiring.

When we report stories, we don't just want to talk to people who did the right thing. We want to talk to people who did the wrong thing.

I feel like I delivered a blow, an unfortunate blow to a profession that not only did I personally love doing but that I value for society.

I have lived a life that has been beautiful and painful at some moments. But I am convinced others can learn how to control a certain kind of rage that bubbles up in many Americans, particularly, but not limited to, women, blacks, and other minorities.

I believe my own demons would have caught up with me regardless of my race and regardless of whether I worked at 'The Times.

If they're all so brilliant and I'm such an affirmative-action hire, how come they didn't catch me?