Who is P. D. East from Black Like Me and what is their importance?

P.D. East is an old friend of Griffin's. He is the editor of a newspaper in Mississippi. He used to keep a neutral perspective in his writings on race relations, but believes in the equality of the races. He felt he could no longer write in the Southern viewpoint on the relationships between the races. As his writings shifted to be more liberal, he attracted attention from white hate groups and was ignored by his neighbors. East agrees to house Griffin during his stay in Hattiesburg. East also drives Griffin back to New Orleans, and the two visit Dillard University together where East is supposed to give a speech.