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It’s In NY #12

Sexy, Smart, & Cool Black Men!
I am on the prowl for Sexy, Smart, and Cool Black Men to date-I mean uh- interview. Seriously, I feel that sometimes the media only cover famous black men when they do something wrong. Well, this series is about men who are doing something right and who just happen to be excellent eye candy. I also hope their advice on life will help who ever needs it.

This leads to me to TJ Holmes, Weekend Anchor on CNN, the biggest news organization in the world. TJ was born and raised in Arkansas and a graduate of University of Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. One morning I woke up and there he was. So I googled him and discovered several blogs and fan pages about this fine man. I have fun watching him and his co-anchor Betty, who he recently jokingly accused of having a weave after he visited an Atlanta hair show. What I also love about TJ Holmes is that, when appropriate, he gives his trueand somtimes unpopular opinions on controversial subjects. We all strive for success, but sometimes feel isolated when pursuing it. TJ shares with me how he stays cool under pressure.

Why did you become a journalist?

Growing up, I always had a natural curiosity, and I was always a pretty good writer. However, as I was growing up, it never crossed my mind to put those things to good use as a journalist. When I got to college, I took a mass communications class the first semester of my freshman year and was drawn to the live element broadcast journalism. Coupled with my natural curiosity and writing ability, journalism seemed to suit me.

How long does it take for you to prepare for a show?

Theoretically, I never stop preparing for a newscast. One of the biggest parts of my job is to stay well-read, engaged, and informed about what’s going on in the world. And, that is a continuous process. As far as preparation the day of a newscast, I’ll be at work preparing for several hours before I’m scheduled to be on the air.

Many Americans with diverse backgrounds have trouble socializing in corporate America. What tips can you give professionals on how to deal with company politics?

I suppose I’m naïve. Yes, office politics is real. But, I was raised to be myself. I treat everyone the same, and I talk to everyone the same. I respect the person emptying the trash cans in the newsroom as much as I respect the guy who’s signing my checks. I think that’s a policy that has worked for me my whole life, and I’ve yet to find an company that I’ve worked for that I felt I needed to change for.

It seems that you are comfortable with yourself on-air. Many African-Americans feel uncomfortable being themselves in the workplace? What advice would you give them?

I don’t think anyone should change who they are for the sake of the workplace. But at the same time, people should always keep in mind what’s appropriate in the workplace. I could easily say that being myself is … wearing flip flops, jeans with holes in them, and a t-shirt. But I can’t be that guy at work. It doesn’t mean you’re not being yourself. It means you know how to present yourself in a professional setting.

Which news stories in 2009 do you feel America will still talk about in 2019?

We will undoubtedly be talking about the first year of the presidency of Barack Obama. We’ll likely also still be talking about the death of Michael Jackson.

Who are some of the African-American journalists you admire?

Byron Pitts of CBS, Bryant Gumbel of HBO, Michael Wilbon of ESPN, Suzanne Malveaux of CNN.

I know as a journalist, you try to stay impartial, but can you describe your feelings when first learned President Obama won the presidential election.

I was in Ebenezer Baptist Church on election night. The night was about more than politics, about more than blue states and red states. We were all witnesses to history. And, I spent the evening in the very church where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached. Can’t put that into words.

How do you stay cool under pressure?

I naturally have a calm demeanor. I don’t get too worked up about anything and certainly don’t stress out.

Which books inspire you to succeed?

I read a lot, but I hate that I don’t get to read a lot of books because of my schedule. When I read, I’m reading newspapers and news magazines.

Which books do you enjoy for entertainment?

There’s one book that I keep on my nightstand … “A Testament of Hope: the Essential Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Name the Top 10 Songs on your IPOD?

My top 10 list changes just about every week, but as of right now, this might be the top ten:

1. “Make Her Say” by Kid Cudi (feat. Kanye West and Common)
2. “Ego” (Remix) by Beyonce (feat. Kanye West)
3. “It’s Great to Be Here” by Jackson 5
4. “Knock You Down” by Keri Hilson (feat. Ne-yo and Kanye West)
5. “Lion Roar” by Asher Roth (feat. Busta Rhymes)
6. “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay
7. “The Love You Save” by Jackson 5
8. “Just a Friend” by Biz Markie
9. “Love Sex Magic” by Ciara (feat. Justin Timberlake)
10. “Hello” by Eminem

You have great style on-air, how do you choose your ties and suits?

My style is very simple: dark suit, white shirt, and let the tie speak for itself.

Off-air what is your favorite “hanging out” outfit?

Jeans, t-shirt, flip flops. That is my uniform. I shop a lot at American Eagle and Lucky Brand.

What do like to do when you are not working?

I love to cook. I especially like to fire up the grill. Also, I just got a treadmill for my workout room at home not long ago. Loving that. A friend of mine is trying to get me to run a half marathon. Not sure if that’s going to happen. Though my schedule often doesn’t allow, I love being at home. I’m very much a homebody. When I do go out, I like low-key, low maintenance outings: outdoor dining, a baseball game, walking through Virginia Highlands and Vinings, etc.

Many of your fans are women who think you are hot? What are the qualities you look for in a woman?

I already found what I’m looking for.

Finally, can you finally tell the world what T.J. stands for?

It’s kind of a family nickname. That’s all you’re gonna get.

Tell T.J. you loved this interview via Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/tjholmescnn or Twitter at twitter.com/TJholmescnn

http://www.ItsInNY.com with Stephanie Taylor
E: stephanie@itsinny.com
Mail: It!s Media Group
P.O. Box 253
Nyack, NY 10960

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By Stephanie Taylor on 9/13/2009[read on] [1 comment]

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