A Pulitzer Prize–winning Washington Post columnist's timely collection looks at community issues of equity and justice
The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Colbert I. King has been speaking up his entire life, most recently as a columnist for the Washington Post. For thirty years, until his retirement in 2025, he chronicled stories ranging from global crises to national tragedies, from triumphs to local and community issues of equity and justice.
A lifelong resident of Washington, DC, King has deep reverence for the history of the nation's capital and the circumstances of its residents. His columns showcase a writer who is fueled by a lifelong sense of responsibility of service to his fellow citizens and to humanity at large. Somebody Had to Speak Up covers topics ranging from the impact of failing schools and gun violence on Black families in DC, to racism and bigotry, the government's duty to constituents, the seminal mayoralty of Marion Barry, home rule, and profiles in leadership.
This collection is for civic-minded readers interested in key moments of American and DC history, scholars of journalism and media studies, and readers compelled to use their own voices to stand up for what is right.
Reviews
"Somebody Had to Speak Up powerfully illustrates what Colbert I. King's readers have known for decades: He is one of the greatest columnists Washington has ever known. His deeply reported essays in The Washington Post about his native city give voice to the powerless, the forgotten, the pushed-aside. His political analysis is eerily prescient: He predicted the debacle of the war in Iraq and the threat of a Donald Trump presidency long before the events unfolded. His meditations on what it means to be a Black man in America today are uncompromising and inspiring. And in every single column, he is brutally honest—about ideological allies as well as opponents. Yes, somebody had to speak up. We should all be grateful that Colby King accepted that challenge."—Eugene Robinson, Pulitzer Prize–winning former Washington Post columnist, author of Freedom Lost, Freedom Won: A Personal History of America
"There are two Washingtons. There's the marbled government city the world sees. And there's the city people call home. It's hard to cover one Washington. But both—at the same time? Colby King has, with precision and sweep, a deep knowledge of history and a sure grasp of the moment. If you want to understand America's capital city in all its dimensions—if you want to understand how two worlds in such close proximity can fail to see each other—pick up this book."—David Shipley, editor at large, New York Times, and former editorial page editor, Washington Post
"Colbert King is a Renaissance man. As the Bard wrote, 'a man of sovereign parts . . . well fitted in arts, glorious in arms, nothing becomes him ill that he would well.' I am personally enriched by King's friendship and wisdom through the years. I thank Colby for speaking out, for reflecting his insight, experience, knowledge—and especially his humanity. Colby's 'his-story' covers individuals, many of them leaders beyond DC, and families, especially children facing poverty, guns, and discrimination. His writing is clear, unprejudiced, and honest, sometimes bluntly so. His journey is not without international events, some reflecting failure as lessons. Read, digest, ponder—it's a winner!"—Connie Morella, former US Representative (MD-08), 1987–2003
"As [Colby King's] columns have always done, this book preaches eternal truths and does so in a way that anyone can understand. I cannot think of anyone I wouldn't recommend this book to."—Don Graham, former publisher, The Washington Post
About the Author
Colbert I. King is a Pulitzer Prize–winning columnist who wrote a weekly column for the Washington Post from 1997 to 2025 and a former deputy editor of the Post's editorial page. He has extensive experience in international banking and foreign affairs, including six years at the State Department (1964–70), two years as a World Bank executive director (1979–81), and a decade as an executive vice president of Riggs Bank (1981–90).
