Goodbye MadTV, hello Wanda Sykes! Actress-Comedian Sykes is scheduled to take a late spot on Fox this Fall. I have to be honest: I'm a growing fan of Sykes and not a confirmed one. She's certainly witty, sharp and unfiltered, but I haven't been won over. I didn't know much about Sykes before her clash with Cosby at the 2003 Emmys. Cosby was unnerved by Sykes' so-called "Ebonics" style and answered her question about his success with a "We spoke English". Meaning: Sykes did not. After that, I always seemed to catch clips of Sykes doing the "white man I'm going to bug you with racist accusations" routine. Funny at times, but eventually repetitive. However, recently Sykes took center stage when she admitted she was in a sex-same relationship and her public momentum skyrocketed. In fact, a lot of folks consider Ms. Sykes a comedian with conviction. I just hope her late-night gig transcends her days of chasing around Larry David on Curb Your Enthusiasm with racist complaints. I'm wishing her the best.
Keith Josef Adkins is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and social commentator.