Bloggers mourn a lost brother

This just in from the Red Herring, news of a pioneering blogger’s death has sent shock waves throughout the blogosphere.

Aaron Hawkins, only 34, used his weblog Uppity-Negro.com to defy and lampoon societal norms, challenging common perceptions of race and ethnicity. One of the Internet’s first black bloggers, he wielded a lean wit and a keen sense of satire in his writing. He urged his readers to question conventional ideas in politics, pop culture, and the media.

Hawkins’ family announced his death to the blogging community in the way Aaron himself would have – by posting the information on Uppity-Negro.com. The post, dated September 9, was titled “This is the Hardest Thing I’ve Had to Write.”

“This is Val, Aaron’s sister,” the post began, “My family and I are still working out what we wanted to say and do on the site. But at this time, however briefly, I thought it was best to confirm that yes, Aaron did pass away.” The family declined to discuss the cause of Mr. Hawkins’ death.

The Bloke and his readers send Aaron’s family our condolences and best wishes.