Editor’s note: Through the NNPA I had the opportunity to meet George several times. Including once when he traveled to Dallas to teach a workshop for the staff of Texas NNPA papers. He was generous in sharing what he learned over the years and passionate about the craft of journalism. My sympathies to his family and friends.
George E. Curry, longtime journalist, and former Editor-in-Chief with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) passed away Saturday reportedly from sudden cardiac failure. Sunday his legacy was remembered through statements released by the Congressional Black Caucus and Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.
The CBC’s statement included:
“The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) joins with members of the press from around the country to mourn the loss of George E. Curry, a pioneer in Civil Rights and journalism.
“A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Curry was an esteemed journalist with a career that spanned decades. He was highly regarded as the Dean of Black journalists for his unique perspective and engagement during the height of the Civil Rights era, and his weekly commentaries continued to enjoy wide circulation until his untimely death.
“Curry started his career in journalism at Sports Illustrated and later wrote for the St. Louis Post Dispatch and the Chicago Tribune. He would later serve in a series of lead editor roles including his tenure with Emerge Magazine and more recently as the Editor-in-Chief with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and as the editor and publisher of EmergeNewsOnline.com, which highlighted African American news from around the country.
“George E. Curry was a giant in journalism and he stood on the front lines of the Civil Rights era and used his voice to tell our stories when others would not. The CBC offers our sympathies and condolences to his friends and family, his readers from around the country, and to the countless number of individuals he mentored in the art of reporting and journalistic writing until his untimely death.”
Later on Sunday afternoon Hillary Clinton’s campaign released the following statement from her:
“I am saddened by the loss of an outstanding journalist and supportive friend. George E. Curry was a pioneering journalist, a tireless crusader for justice, and a true agent of change. With quality reporting, creativity, and skillful persuasion he influenced countless people, including me, to think beyond their narrow experience and expand their understanding. George may be gone, but he will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.”
