I’m Derrick Clifton, the editor and writer behind Daily Derrick. Here’s my story:
I got my start writing opinion pieces via campus media. From January 2011 until May 2012, I served as an award-winning weekly columnist and deputy opinion editor for The Daily Northwestern, the award-winning student-run daily publication for Northwestern University and the city of Evanston, Ill.
Amassing a wide following with columns that consistently covered social justice issues locally and nationally, my voice continued developing as an op-ed writer and journalist. Then, many friends and fans suggested I create an online home.
And that’s how Daily Derrick was born.
I’ve had the pleasure of having pieces featured or quoted in various blogs and publications, including The Huffington Post, National Review Online, The Windy City Times, Gawker, The Good Men Project, In Our Words Blog, NextGen Journal and The College Fix, among many others. Aside from my writing on here and past work with The Daily, I also contribute to The Huffington Post and the In Our Words blog, and formerly contributed to NextGen Journal. Whether reflecting on social justice issues, cultural phenomenons or the latest political development, I promise to remain unfiltered and outspoken.
Awards and accolades include:
- 2013 Illinois College Press Association Award: Honorable Mention, Opinion Column (Non-Sports)
- Campus Pride Voice & Action National Leadership Award Finalist
- Named one of eight 2012 Northwestern University “Seniors to Watch” by Northwestern Magazine
- Scholarships with various organizations including Point Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Chicago Scholars Foundation.
A 2012 alum of Northwestern University, I received my B.S. in communication, with concentrations in gender studies and political science. During that time, I spent countless hours as volunteer for causes close to my heart, including LGBTQ issues and youth homelessness. My experiences at NU (Go ‘Cats) and throughout life inform these musings on pop culture, politics, race, gender/sexuality and a variety of hot topics.
Through writing, I hope to inspire critical thinking, dialogue and even some hearty laughs… plus the occasional snark and brutal honesty.
When away from the keyboard, I’m an avid tennis fan, reality TV addict, shameless foodie and am hopelessly addicted to my phone’s Spotify subscription.
Follow on Twitter: @DerrickClifton
