Author Archives: Doug Cumming

About Doug Cumming

Writer, W&L journalism professor emeritus

My W&L class with Dan Wakefield

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Doug Cumming

Dan Wakefield, an American journalist, memoirist and novelist, died in Miami two days ago, March 13. I had met him when he came to speak to us Nieman fellows in 1986 or ’87. (Dan had been a Nieman Fellow 22 … Continue reading →

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Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM)

Posted on January 30, 2024 by Doug Cumming

In the pretty courtyard of dogwood trees on the ground floor of Holy Trinity Parish facing Sycamore Place, Decatur’s hungry and dispossessed arrive one or two at a time for help. They are welcomed as expected guests, for most have … Continue reading →

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A mentoring program that needs volunteers

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Doug Cumming

Every Monday afternoon during the school year, Path to Shine brings adult volunteers together with a hand-picked group of about 12 students from Avondale Elementary School. The goal is lofty. The students have potential for academic success, even for college … Continue reading →

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‘Worldview’ Cul-de-Sac

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Doug Cumming

A favorite book of intellectual conservatives is “Ideas Have Consequences,” by Richard Weaver, a University of Chicago academic who dug deep into a lost intellectual culture of his native South. In another book, “The Southern Tradition at Bay,” he unearthed … Continue reading →

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Music School Scholarship Honors Former Student

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Doug Cumming

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 19, 2023 Sarah Cumming was a dedicated student of songwriting, singing, guitar and harmonica at the Frank Hamilton School, a music school in Decatur built around the vision of legendary folk music figure Frank Hamilton. Sarah, … Continue reading →

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The Prickle of Truth

Posted on December 16, 2023 by Doug Cumming

Yes, we need to be careful about saying there are multiple “truths,” your truth and my truth. But I know for a fact that there are these two truths – the truth of an individual and the truth of the … Continue reading →

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Unsung Hero

Posted on October 9, 2023 by Doug Cumming

Ed Davenport, a high school classmate, died on 9/11 this year. His family asked me to write this obituary, and later, to say a few words at his memorial service, which I was honored to do. Edward E. Davenport, of … Continue reading →

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A prison ministry

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Doug Cumming

“I was in prison, and you visited me.” – Matt. 25:36 Twice a year, in the gym of Phillips State Prison in Buford, Ga., the love of Christ pours out on more than 50 inmates selected to be in a long … Continue reading →

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An Oregon Trek

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Doug Cumming

Oregon, for the last two weeks, took us to burned-over pine forests and evergreen mountains, Lavaland and the High Desert, dazzling cool days and 105-degree smog so thick the sun was like dried blood. We crossed the Columbia and we … Continue reading →

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Across the Fractured Land

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Doug Cumming

We flew for four and a half hours across the land, stuffed into a full Delta airliner four rows apart, no view of the land. No earbuds, no room to reach them in my shoulder bag under the seat, I … Continue reading →

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