Annette John-Hall

Annette John-Hall is a metro columnist for The Inquirer. She was previously a features reporter and columnist focusing on music, film television and pop culture. A native of Berkeley, Calif., she covered professional, college and high school sports at the San Jose Mercury News, the Rocky Mountain News in Denver and the Oakland Tribune.

Her column appears Tuesdays and Fridays in The Inquirer's metro section.

Read Annette's blog Free Flow
Latest post: Marvin Gaye Spoke For Me - 04/01/2009
Email Annette at johnhaa@phillynews.com

Agency investigates alleged discrimination
Gallery: Racism alleged at swim club
Ronnie Polaneczky: Support pours in for campers kicked out of suburban pool

Marvin Gaye Spoke For Me

Annette John-Hall: Students' pet project brings mutual rewards - 06/22/2009: By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

The students from Good Intent Elementary School in Deptford chanted for the Old English sheepdog, shaggy superstar that he is.
Annette John-Hall: The real life of an African American father - 06/19/2009: By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

Ronnie Brown doesn't want you to get the wrong idea. He is grateful. Still, a day after being feted for fatherhood, he can't help but wonder what all the fuss is about.
Annette John-Hall: 'You want to wake up . . .' - 06/13/2009: By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

Ted Canada is a linebacker of a man, solid and upright. Fitting, because that's what he represents to his large extended family: a pillar. A SEPTA bus driver and community activist, he's also his family's patriarch, though he's only 45.
Annette John-Hall: Artist Dupree's true-blue colors - 06/12/2009: By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

If you live in Philadelphia, there's a good chance you've seen James Dupree's art and didn't even realize it.
Annette John-Hall: Mural stands for Mantua's plight - 06/08/2009: By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

Herman Wrice saw it coming. It was as if Wrice, the iconic community organizer turned antidrug crusader, had seen into the future as far back as 1969, when bulldozers began mowing down rowhouses in Mantua like overgrown weeds - all to make room for parking lots.
Annette John-Hall: Vigilante justice not the right way - 06/05/2009: By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

My first thought was, "Thank you, Kensington, for ensuring that the guy never rapes little girls again." Never mind if he hasn't been charged or convicted. Beaten by an angry mob? Didn't bother me.
Annette John-Hall: A housewife makeover - now in N.J. - 06/01/2009: By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

Talk about a makeover. Used to be, the image of a housewife was as far from glamorous as you could get. There was nothing sexy about cooking, cleaning, hosting, mothering, and wearing a housedress all day long.
Annette John-Hall: Time to stop demonizing 'black men' - 05/29/2009: By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

Turns out Hostage Mom made it all up. Her elaborate, alarming story - she and her 9-year-old abducted in broad daylight after a fender bender - was enough to set off an Amber Alert and heat up FBI tip lines.
Annette John-Hall: A vital form of art: Inner-city theater - 05/22/2009: By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts may be a long way from Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, but that's how Al Simpkins likes it.
Annette John-Hall: Back to Iraq for devoted teacher - 05/18/2009: By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

Like any good soldier - especially in today's military - Antisha Meisner knows change can come anytime. Change is always in charge.