I will begin by saying I absolutely adore Peaches. She has always been sweet and loving to me and I appreciate her so very much.
I also remember that when at an event I complimented her on her beautiful purse and she took it off her shoulder and gifted it to me.
That’s who Peaches is and she’s married to an equally special person, veteran journalist and statesman Bob Ray Sanders.
When we met almost 35 years ago, I was immediately impressed.
He could have stopped in his tracks and never done anything else and he would have been good; with his legacy intact.
The Fort Worth native graduated from I.M. Terrell High School and pursued a degree at North Texas State University.
He has excelled as a journalist and a journalism educator. He also serves as a mentor because Bob Ray is someone who has inspired so many whether they ended up being journalists or pursuing another career.
Integrity, tenacity, excellence, methodical, conscientious, spiritually grounded and fearless; that’s Bob Ray.
People respect him as a man and his work as a journalist.
Decades before the term “multimedia journalist” would become the latest craze in the industry; Bob Ray was a master communicator and used his talents working in radio, television and at a newspaper.
He could have worked anywhere in the country but he wanted to use his talents at home working for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, KERA-TV and KLIF-Radio.
A captivating speaker, thought-provoking moderator and engaging panelist ; Bob Ray’s strong communication skills keeps him in demand today.
The recipient of numerous awards, and 52 years since he accepted a job at the Star-Telegram, Bob Ray will be saluted Saturday, April 23 as part of the 52nd Annual USA Film Festival at the Angelika Film Center in Dallas.
Which brings me to my truth.
Bob Ray Sanders is an all-around great guy; loved and respected by many. He’s honorable and a joy to know and work with as much as he is a joy to watch at work.
It is so fitting that he is being saluted and hopefully there will be a packed house to show this brother some love because he has definitely loved on so many for so long.
I’m also looking forward to the excellent programming for the USA Film Festival, which makes me think of another person who, like Bob Ray, did so much good; Michael “Hollywood” Hernandez, who transitioned earlier this year.
Hollywood would have definitely been in attendance, saluting Bob Ray and covering the various movies on display.
While Hollywood is no longer with us, we are so glad that we can share this special time with Bob Ray.
Just think, 50 years in the business. Bob Ray, thanks for more than memories!
And you too, Peaches!!
52nd Annual USA Film Festival
April 20-24, 2022
Saluting Bob Ray Sanders on Saturday,
April 23rd, 5:30pm
Angelika Film Center Dallas
I.M. Terrell
View the full schedule online here:
http://www.usafilmfestival.com/images/USAFF52Flyer.pdf
Tickets are FREE but limited – So don’t wait to reserve yours!
To reserve tickets, CALL the USA Film Festival at 214-821-6300.
RESERVATION LINE OPENS after 10:30am.
Mention D-FW Association of Black Journalists or Texas Metro News when you call.
For additional information and to view the entire Festival program schedule visit http://www.usafilmfestival.com/images/USAFF52-Flyer.pdf
