When Gregory Lewis joined the Sun Sentinel (Fla.) 10 years ago as a reporter covering the African-American community, he introduced himself to the politicians, business people and civic leaders who make news in South Florida.

Then he visited the barber shops, stopped by the funeral parlors, lunched at the Elks Club, and walked Sistrunk Boulevard to get to know the people who live in the neighborhoods. And there he found his best material.