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Sunday, April 4, 2010

An Ode To David Mills....


Last week, David Mills passed away at 48. For those of you who don't know, David lived the life that a lot of writers only dream of...he wrote for The Washington Post, and then moved on to TV as a writer and/or producer for Homicide: Life In The Streets, E.R., Kingpin, The Corner, NYPD Blue, The Wire, and the upcoming HBO series "Treme".

He was also my blogging mentor, and one of the reasons that I didn't quit blogging numerous times. His site "Undercover Black Man" was one of the first blogs I read regularly. I don't remember how I found him, but at the time he was doing a series called "Giant Negroes", about the ridiculous claims and sightings by whites of "Giant Negroes" in the late 19th and early 20th century. I found it interesting and amusing. Of course that is what sums up David perfectly--interesting and amusing. With the last part of the trifecta being inspirational.

David has inspired, outraged, entertained, and taught a whole throng of Black creative thinkers in the blogging community. Through him, I found many people who think and exist the way I do, when previously I thought that I might be isolated in my mindset. He frequently featured me in his "Blog In The Spotlight", which always gave me joy. All of my life people have told me that I should write as a living, but I never felt true validity until being under David's watch, and that's real. I even started a thing called "The Negro Justice League" on this blog that included David, which amused him very much.

When I read that David passed, it hit me hard, more than anyone, except maybe Michael Jackson. Strike that--it was akin to Michael because of its suddenness, its shock through the heart, and the mourning of a loss of huge talent and genuine artistic integrity. I was shaken up in ways that I did not expect in his passing.

I waited a while to post this, as I wanted to be careful about what I said, and do a justifiable legacy to him. It is apropos that I am writing this on Easter, as he will always be resurrected in many a heart and mind. I feel the best way to pay him tribute is to begin blogging regularly again, at least for a little while. Cause you know what? One of the thoughts that would pass through my mind almost daily was that I knew David was checking for new posts on this blog and there were none. And that, in and of itself, will always make me feel special.

Will always miss you, David...

11 comments:

Cowgirl in the sand said...

It's always hard to know what to say at moments like this. It good that he touched many and he knew you appreciated him. May his works live on.

justjudith said...

very nicely done. we'll all miss him. it's hard to accept that he's gone but we will carry on his mantra to fight on. Happy Easter, sis!

uglyblackjohn said...

I was waiting for you to do a post about Mills.
But yeah.. I was feeling pretty good myself when I made his blog spotlight.
I think the biggest shock was felt over at DV's spot.

Me said...

Nice post for a great person whose light was (in my opinion) was put out way too early.

Anonymous said...

Sigh when I met him and mentioned I was going to Cali. He expressed his desire to meet you. I said I do too and said I want to meet Issa also. Boy oh boy
I have a handful of friends working the set of Treme and they all hit me up. Just so sad. I was also waiting on your post.

DB said...

I obviously didn't know David Mills or more specifically that he was the writer of The Wire. But, I do know that show is my favorite of all time. I thought the writing was genius and real. Someone like him will be missed in a business that's so full of non-originality.

bklyn6 said...

I was thinking about when I first found UBM's blog. I think it was via Racialicious. I've been hooked ever since.

There were times when I'd have a fleeting thought, visit his blog soon after, and find that thought in one of his posts. Funny how that worked. And he knew more about what was happening on the Brooklyn music scene than I did. :-)

Thanks for posting your thoughts, IW.

Me said...

This was a beautiful post and I think that you were successful in giving David Mills a justifiable legacy. I do not know Mr. Mills, but I am a fan of the shows he was a part of and plan on hopping over to those links you provided and making up for lost time. Thank you!

Invisible Woman said...

^^ Thanks to everyone who commented....it is weird that when someone passes, you realize the holes they've been filling in you. When they are gone and those holes are empty, it is one of the worst feelings in the world.

Even though I sometimes disagreed with David's stance on some Black issues, he was a fine writer, and a fine person. And I feel the same about y'all too....fine writers and fine people--thanks for caring :-)

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admin said...

Even though I sometimes disagreed with David's stance on some Black issues, he was a fine writer, and a fine person. And I feel the same about y'all too....fine writers and fine people--thanks for caring

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