Donna Britt (writer)

Donna Marie Britt is an American author and former syndicated newspaper columnist, reporter and critic. Her first book, Brothers (& me): A Memoir of Loving and Giving was published in 2011 by Little, Brown and Company.

Donna Britt at a 2012 book signing event in Washington, D.C.

Early life

Britt was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. Her father Thomas was a construction worker, and her mother Geraldine was an insurance salesperson and recruiter for the state of Indiana. Britt graduated from West Side High School in Gary, and later earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Hampton University.

While studying for her master's degree in journalism at the University of Michigan, Britt’s 26-year-old older brother Darrell was shot and killed by two Gary, Indiana police officers under suspicious circumstances. She would later write extensively about the traumatic incident and its impact on her family.

Career

Britt launched her journalism career at the Detroit Free Press in 1980 where she worked as a general assignment reporter, features writer and fashion columnist. A former editor and film critic for USA Today, she joined the Washington Post in 1989, earning acclaim as an op-ed columnist and writing frequently about social, cultural and racial issues. Her weekly column ran in newspapers in more than 60 cities, and was syndicated by the Washington Post Writer’s Group.

Britt's 2011 book, Brothers (& me): a Memoir of Loving and Giving was honored by O: The Oprah Magazine as one of January 2012’s “Ten Titles to Pick Up Now,” and excerpted that same month by Essence magazine.

Personal life

Britt is married to author and Washington Post national editor, Kevin Merida. In 2012, Britt and Merida ranked seventh on the list of African American power couples compiled by Huffington Post/Blackvoices.com. They have three sons: Justin Britt-Gibson and Darrell Britt-Gibson (from Britt’s first marriage), and Skye Merida.

A well-being and meditation enthusiast, Britt has instructed yoga since 2004.

Honors and Awards

Britt has earned numerous awards, including top honors from the National Association of Black Journalists, The American Association of Sunday and Feature Editors, and the American Society of Newspaper Editors. She was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for her 1992 feature about the death of her brother, Darrell, and in later years for her columns.

References

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