As it was noted yesterday, my fellow co-workers and I picked up a variety of awards this weekend from the Tennessee Press Association and the Associated Press, which included the Malcolm Law Award for Investigative Journalism for my series about Somalis in Shelbyville.

I'd like to thank the T-G and acting editor John Carney for giving me the time to work on the series last December. I'd also would like to extend thanks to all those readers who supported me during that time of vicious criticism from various disgruntled circles.

I have to thank the T-G again for actually publishing the series. During the week we ran the stories, I heard from more than one person who said that many newspapers wouldn't have the guts to print what I compiled.

While my award is not as large or distracting as the major one pictured above, it means a whole lot to me. And I don't think Ralphie's mom will "accidentally" smash to pieces when displayed.

Again, thanks to everyone.