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.

Email Annette at johnhaa@phillynews.com

Annette John-Hall: With city budget drama in spotlight, small acts of philanthropy shine

By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

Posted 12/03/2008

Yes, Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey and a half-dozen of his officers were there. Still, Mayor Nutter could have used more backup the other night at the venom-spewing town-hall meeting - his second in a series of neighborhood smackdowns over his budget cuts.

In his family mode, Percy "Buster" Custus shares a giggly moment with grandson Jasin in his newly founded Custus Childcare Academy. Upstairs are his tough-guy digs, a boxing academy.

Annette John-Hall: 2 sides to this man: Tough and tender

By Annette John-Hall, Inquirer Columnist

Posted 11/26/2008

Percy "Buster" Custus doesn't mess around. When he sees a need, he doesn't complain about it, or procrastinate over it, or ignore it. He acts on it.

Annette John-Hall: Filling need even while feeling it - 11/23/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist

It's not as if Susanne Whitehead is running around with a paper bag over her head. After all, she's not the only one who's had to swallow her pride in these harsh economic times. Everybody's hurting.
Annette John-Hall: Open libraries, open minds - 11/19/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist

The library saved me. Not to sound too melodramatic, but it's true. There's no telling where I'd be without the Berkeley Public Library, South Berkeley branch.
Annette John-Hall: - 11/16/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist

Annette John-Hall on owing Obama. B1. Trudy Rubin on secretary of state options. Currents, D1.
Annette John-Hall: Ask not what Obama can do - 11/16/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist

WASHINGTON - That giant sigh you hear is me exhaling. Because now that the election is over and Barack Obama has won, I can ask:
Annette John-Hall The dream becomes reality - 11/05/2008: I can't find the words. Just can't. The enormity of this moment is too big to articulate. Tears, hugs and prayers express more.
Annette John-Hall: On Tuesday, be counted by casting any snags aside - 11/02/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist

Jaida the First-Time Voter called me in a tizzy. I knew better than to panic. If this was an emergency call, well, it was like the seventh one last month.
Annette John-Hall: Again, ravaged by violence in the family - 10/30/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist

I can't even imagine the horror Jennifer Hudson must be going through right now. One day, she's sitting on top of the world, Academy Award in one hand, No. 1 record in the other, with all the fame, fortune and red carpets she can pose on.
Annette John-Hall: To boost turnout, she aims to make Nov. 4 mothers' day - 10/26/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist

Supermom. We all know her. She's a superstar at work and a supernanny at home. She usually even has enough left in the tank to be a superwife at night.
Annette John-Hall: The terrorists among us - 10/22/2008: Community College trains a spotlight on gun violence.

By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist

Chalk Andre Giles up as another heartbreaking casualty of war. Not in Iraq or Afghanistan, but on the streets of Philadelphia.
Annette John-Hall: Black and white are red all over - 10/19/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist

Far be it from Philadelphians to have the audacity to hope. Especially in October. Yet in about two weeks, after a long, hard-fought season, we'll know who the winner is.

MORE STORIES

Annette John-Hall: Moving on is hard to do - 10/15/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist
Annette John-Hall: A big, painful step down - 10/12/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist
Annette John-Hall: Sarah Palin's negatives grow - 10/08/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist
Annette John-Hall: This season is a crucial time to go on a roll - 10/05/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist
Annette John-Hall: A sisterly hand renews all hope - 10/01/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist
Annette John-Hall: Almost 108, she ages with grace and dignity - 09/28/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist
Annette John-Hall: Sorry, there's no need to flash the race card - 09/24/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist
Annette John-Hall: A step against foreclosures - 09/19/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist
Annette John-Hall: A helping hand for immigrant families in crisis - 09/16/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist
Annette John-Hall: Family, friends struggle with slaying of a vet, 78 - 09/09/2008: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist
Eyes on the prize in first 'Soul Bowl' - 01/31/2007: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist
Black history is entwined in America's - 01/24/2007: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist
Marching on to the beat of King's drum - 01/17/2007: By Annette John-Hall , Inquirer Columnist

Advertise Here

Top Jobs
Top Homes
Top Cars

Books
Movies
Page Reprints
Photo Licensing
Photos

Ticket Offers

COMCAST TIX

Event: Playhouse Disney Live!
Event: WWE Smackdown
Concert: Celine Dion
Concert: Eric Clapton

OTHER OFFERS

Concert: Ben Folds
Concert: Jonas Brothers
Concert: Rascal Flatts
Concert: Smash Mouth