The Bankole Thompson papers (0.25 linear feet and 18.42 GB) include writings and speeches, books, biographical information, episodes of his radio show, and information about the court case Edwards v The Detroit News and Thompson. The materials have been organized into one series, the Bankole Thompson papers.
Acclaimed journalist and author Bankole Thompson has been involved with several organizations and publications in his professional career. He is known as a "courageous voice on behalf of the dispossessed and disenfranchised, a shining example of journalism for the public good" (Eisenhower Foundation).
In 2016, James Edwards, publisher of The Occidental Observer online magazine dedicated to "white identity, interests, and culture," filed a lawsuit against The Detroit News and Thompson. In the lawsuit, Edwards alleged that the newspaper and Thompson falesely defamed Edwards by naming him a leader of the Ku Klux Klan. The Detroit News and Thompson filed a motion for summary judgment, arguing for case dismissal.
From 2006 until 2015 Thompson served as the senior editor of the Michigan Chronicle, where his coverage of the 2008 presidential election and interviews with Barack Obama have earned him the praise of media mogul Tom Joyner, referring to Thompson as an "innovative editor." He left theMichigan Chronicle to take a position as an Opinion Columnist at theDetroit News, where his weekly articles appeal to "Detroiters who are looking for diverse perspectives" (Thompson, 2015). Thompson also hosts a weekly radio show on WDET in Detroit, which features one-on-one interviews, roundtable discussions, and debates on issues that affect multicultural Detroit, the region and the nation. He also writes for national publications like Ebony.
Thompson is the author of a series of books on the Obama administration, including Obama and Jewish Loyalty, Obama and Business Loyalty, andObama and Black Loyalty. Additionally, he makes many media appearances and speaking engagements, notably directing the Africa Faith and Justice Network lecture series at the Brookings Institute, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the National Press Club.
