Thank you, David Plazas, for your civility, in your service to Tennessee conversations
David Plazas probably never dreamed when he took the editorial director job at The Tennessean, he would yet again drive further down south to Georgia.
But alas, that is where he will plant his next stake with family in the deep Georgia marshes (amid bustling Atlanta) after 11 years leading editorial conversations throughout Middle Tennessee as director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee and 25-year career with Gannett.
I'd like to think when he gets there, people will see the Southern charm he has acquired in Tennessee and quickly embrace him as a new local, the edges of his Chicago roots polished from his stay.
Or maybe, his hospitality was always there anyway.
Whether or not you agree with views expressed in his columns, I can assure that anyone who has ever met David in person has been immediately disarmed with a smile and a genuine ear for listening. He opens doors for others, looks you in the eye, has an intentional handshake and patiently waits for you to finish your sentence.
The first year I was in the Tennessean newsroom in 2019, I watched him escort fellow opinion writer Alex Hubbard and his service dog to and from his workstation everyday. (I learned from experience not to leave food in my aisle trash can to avoid tempting canine Xana on her walk.)
During his time at The Tennessean, David has dedicated his career to facilitating conversations, presenting differing opinions and introducing new ideas as founder of the Civility Tennessee initiative, Black and Latino Voices and led diversity initiatives.
More: Thank you, Tennessee, for your hospitality. Now, it's time to move south. | Opinion
David's leadership in public discourse has led to countless enlightening conversations through the Tennessee Voices podcast, election debates, initiating conversations with city and state leaders in the newsroom and, not to mention, his visits to communities across Middle Tennessee.
Whether transportation, controversy, growth, politics or culture, David has always been on the forefront of issues affecting the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area. And he did not forget about rural surrounding communities in Middle Tennessee in the process.
I was especially glad when he decided to trade his view of sky-high buildings in Nashville to kick up a little dust at Mule Day in Columbia —my neck of the woods— last year. From what I understand, he enjoyed the covered wagons drawn by mules and even had a ham and biscuit on a friendly porch, a Mule Day tradition.
And, yes, in David Plazas-style, he opened up conversation with someone completely different from him, found common ground and, yes, wrote a column about it.
From the nuances of Nashville to the backroads of Middle Tennessee, David captured the issues affecting Tennesseans and has a heart for underrepresented communities. He understands how issues affect the region from a 10,000-foot view to the tiniest nuances in his beloved city for over a decade.
He thanked Tennesseans for their hospitality in his farewell column May 1, but thank you, David, for your civility.
Let's continue the legacy and the conversations, Tennessee.
Kerri Bartlett is Middle Tennessee Region Editor and a member of the Tennessean editorial board.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Farewell Nashville Tennessean's David Plazas, thank you for civility
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
32 minutes ago
- CBS News
Blue state governors to testify on "sanctuary policies" amid L.A. protests over immigration raids
Washington — Three Democratic governors are defending their responses to the migrant crisis and dispute claims of failing to cooperate with federal authorities, according to prepared remarks that will be delivered Thursday before a House oversight panel. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are among the witnesses scheduled to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on so-called "sanctuary policies". "Let me be clear: Sanctuary policies don't protect Americans. They protect criminal illegal aliens," Oversight Chair James Comer, a Kentucky Republican will say in his opening statement. The governors' appearances come as President Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom remain embroiled in a legal and political standoff over the deployment of the National Guard troops and Marines to quell immigration protests in Los Angeles. Demonstrations have spread to other U.S. cities, including New York and Chicago following a series of deportation raids. "Minnesota is not a sanctuary state," Walz will tell lawmakers. "It is ridiculous to suggest that Minnesota — a state that is over 1,500 miles away from the Southern border and a thousand miles from lawmakers in Washington, D.C. who decide and implement border policy is somehow responsible for a failure of immigration enforcement." The former vice presidential candidate has drawn intense scrutiny not only over immigration policy but also for his handling of social justice protests that broke out in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd in 2020. Trump administration officials have cited Walz' actions to justify the president's decision to federalize troops in California. While Walz does not appear to directly address the controversy in his testimony, he says he is "disappointed" in the federal government's overall approach. "As governor of Minnesota, it is incumbent on me to use the state's resources to help Minnesota families—not turn those resources over to the administration so they can stage another photo-op in tactical gear or accidentally deport more children without observing due process," Walz is set to say. Ahead of the hearing, the GOP-led panel released a video compilation of various news clips accusing the governors of "shielding" undocumented immigrants and "causing chaos" in their states. A memo from Hochul's office suggested the hearing could be "derailed by wild accusations" and "twisted characterizations" but noted the governor's position is "clear" when it comes to supporting strong borders and comprehensive immigration reform. "New York state cooperates with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in criminal cases," Hochul says. "And our values as New Yorkers demand that we treat those who arrive here in search of a better life with dignity and reject policies that tear law-abiding families apart." Hochul also addresses the influx of more than 220,000 migrants to New York City since early 2022, many of whom were bussed from border states, calling it "an unprecedented humanitarian crisis." "We have responded to this crisis with both compassion and pragmatism," Hochul states."And as a result, we largely prevented what could have become an additional crisis — one of street homelessness and tent cities." Pritzker says Illinois also stepped up to the challenge, and blamed the lack of federal intervention and cooperation from border states for exacerbating the problem. "As governor, my responsibility is to ensure that all Illinoisans feel safe in their homes, their businesses, and their communities," Pritzker is prepared to say. "That is why my administration continued to make significant investments in public safety, even as our resources were strained because of the lack of federal support during the crisis — expanding our state police force and investing in efforts to reduce gun violence." Thursday's session follows a March hearing on sanctuary cities with four Democratic mayors: Eric Adams, of New York, Mike Johnston of Denver, Brandon Johnson of Chicago and Michelle Wu of Boston. Comer launched an investigation in January into "sanctuary jurisdictions", including states, counties or cities, to examine their impact on public safety and federal immigration enforcement. President Trump has vowed to crack down on localities that don't back his immigration agenda. Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security removed its list of sanctuary jurisdictions after several cities challenged the findings.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
David Hogg won't run again after DNC votes to redo vice chair elections
David Hogg will not seek reelection to his Democratic National Committee leadership position after the party announced Wednesday that members had voted to redo the vice chair contests he and Malcolm Kenyatta won in February. 'Ultimately, I have decided to not run in this upcoming election so the party can focus on what really matters,' Hogg said in a statement. Hogg's decision not to run again ends a monthslong intraparty fight between the young gun control advocate and much of the national committee that has distracted from the party's efforts to rebuild after devastating 2024 election losses. The outgoing vice chair has accused party leaders of attempting to oust him from his position over frustration with his plan to primary 'ineffective' Democratic incumbents in safe seats through his PAC Leaders We Deserve. DNC members have argued that Hogg has mischaracterized the vote. The initial challenge to how the committee handled the February 1 vote for two vice chair positions was made in late February, months before Hogg announced his primary initiative. Still, members' feelings toward Hogg and his ongoing, public dispute with party leaders loomed large over the vote. The proposal to hold a new election passed 75% to 25% with 89% of DNC members participating. DNC chairman Ken Martin praised Hogg for his work on the committee. 'I commend David for his years of activism, organizing, and fighting for his generation, and while I continue to believe he is a powerful voice for this party, I respect his decision to step back from his post as Vice Chair,' Martin said in a statement. 'I have no doubt that he will remain an important advocate for Democrats across the map.' Had Hogg run again, he would have faced Kenyatta in an election for a position which, under the DNC's gender parity rules, must go to a man. 'I'm grateful to the overwhelming support I've received in this reelection from DNC members and I look forward to getting back to work electing Democrats up and down the ballot,' Kenyatta said in a statement. 'I wish David the best.' Voting for the other vice chair seat will run from Sunday morning through Tuesday afternoon. Three female candidates who were in the running in February will be eligible: Kalyn Free, an Oklahoma Democratic activist who filed the challenge, as well as Kansas state party chair Jeanna Repass and Washington state party chair Shasti Conrad. Separately, the DNC is also weighing a new proposal put forth by Martin that would officially require elected party leaders to stay neutral in primaries. The DNC is expected to vote on that measure at an August meeting. This story has been updated with additional details. CNN's Arlette Saenz contributed to this report.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Parent reacts to Southside Stadium nearing completion
YOUNGSVILLE, La. (KLFY) — After countless of meetings and campaigns, a Southside High School parent is proud to say the construction of the football stadium is almost complete. Eric David is one of many parents who spearheaded the efforts to get a football stadium built at Southside High School. Now that there is a tangible football field and stands for the crowd to sit in, David is more than excited for the games to come. 'It's definitely a surreal feeling.' David said, 'It's definitely a surreal feeling. I guess I'd be lying if I said I thought this day would finally come.' David, along with many other Southside parents, traveled with their football team for 8 seasons as they also campaigned for the stadium to be built. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Louisiana Board of Ethics decides on LPSS board member's request While attending school board meetings, creating a social media group, even pitching a sales tax for the school zone to fund the stadium, David reflected on the years spent fighting for the field. 'Kind of feeling helpless.' David said. 'And not knowing, not understanding why other people couldn't see the need as much as the parents and the students and faculty here.' That need would finally be met in February of last year when the school board announced funding would be allocated to build the stadium. With the construction nearly complete, David said he's excited to see the benefit it brings to local businesses and to the home field pride at Southside. 'And that's what I kind of hoped would happen, that this can be a Friday night place where community can gather and root on our team.' David said. 'A lot of thanks to Lafayette Parish and our superintendent, our board members to finally doing the right thing. And they put the work in the research and the work into to finally get a stadium on Southside campus.' Although his kids have now graduated from Southside High School, David said there are still plans for his family to be in those stands on Friday nights. Momentum builds for revitalizing Bertrand Drive in Lafayette Senate GOP seeks to cut SALT cap, triggering fight with House An Active Weather Pattern Will Continue Through the Weekend… Thief steals new weed eater from veterans, police officer speaks out What to know about the new 'Nimbus' COVID variant Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
