Mr. Maynard Eaton: The OG

By Okeeba Jubalo

Where should I start, and how do I write about a legend who covered so much ground within the journalism industry? I am no stranger to genius and excellence, while being very clear about the sacrifices that are made for us to do what we do at an extremely high level.

It is not easy. If it was easy, everyone would do it. Mr. Maynard Eaton’s accomplishments as an eight-time Emmy Award-winning journalist transcend anyone’s personal opinions about him. I will not focus on that because I did not have a full window into his personal life.

In the moments when the opportunity presented itself, I always intentionally turned away from getting too deeply into his personal life. It's not that I was afraid to open myself up or have him open himself up more; I just felt that, out of respect for him and his family, I should keep our relationship within a certain space.

The space that I created was one of honor and trust. I told him what I thought about him through my actions. An older man who has seen a great deal along these roads while making a name in his field as the best of the best doesn’t need to hear more words. Actions matter.

We met under professional circumstances nearly seven years ago. I always referred to Mr. Eaton as the OG, and my respect was and still is true.

He contacted me in 2016 about conducting an interview for the Saporta Report about my life as an Atlanta-based artist, husband, father, and former hustler. One of my collectors, Mr. James Jackson, provided my information, and everything went from there. I was honored to speak with the OG about my life and vision for the Black Arts movement in Atlanta.

Unfortunately and fortunately, the owner of the Saporta Report did not like the transparency of my story. They terminated their working relationship, and when I found out, I stepped up to create Mr. Eaton’s own journalism platform, The Maynard Report. This would allow him to have his respect and be the captain of his own ship.

It is tragic for any journalist with the OG’s credentials to be discredited by someone who hasn’t done half of what he has accomplished. A few months later, together, we launched his online show, Georgia Power. This carried his brand into a new area; after all, he was a newsman. I felt like he needed his own television show, so I created it for him.

As the years rolled by, having his own platforms helped him gain traction again within Atlanta’s market. I was proud of him and what we accomplished together.

Sadly, we live in a time that doesn’t truly value excellence. Eight Emmy Awards aren’t a mistake or an accident. Throughout the years, I witnessed a number of institutions and people within the OG’s professional circle treat him unjustly. Atlanta is a very hard market that does not appreciate excellence and credibility. Atlanta’s fickle took a toll on the OG. He remembered a time when Atlanta had more soul and focused on the people. His words documented the city’s reality and identity in a way that no one else could.

Everyone doesn’t have the opportunity to really watch a legend at work. How he presented his questions and prepared for his interviews taught me a great deal about getting to the truth of the matter. Watching him with his students at Clark Atlanta University also reinforced within me the importance of teaching the next generation of media professionals.

I do not and have never considered myself a journalist. My truth and focus are on building the platforms for our people to be their authentic selves without any professional compromises. Shortly before his passing, I had the opportunity to interview the OG within my city of North Charleston, South Carolina. His wife, Robin Eaton, brought him to my gallery, and I was honored to have the last actual interview with him. We spoke about his early life and so many other things.

It felt like we were just sitting around talking, the young blood soaking up the game from an OG who had seen it all. The cameras were filming, but I was more interested in what he was talking about than producing this content. I knew it was important, and I am glad that the time was made for us to have this important part of American history.

Mr. Maynard Eaton was the example for all of us to learn from. Perfection and excellence are still possible, and I am thankful for all that I learned throughout our relationship.

Thank you OG.

Rest in power and excellence.