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National Association
of Black Journalists
Located at the
UNIVERSITY
OF MARYLAND
8701-A Adelphi Road
Adelphi, Md.
20783-1716
(301) 445-7100
(301) 445-7101 fax
nabj@nabj.org
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Legendary journalist Frank Bolden passes
away
Frank E. Bolden, February 2003, photograph © by
Sarah Glover |
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Bolden, who had won the NABJ Legacy Award in Dallas,
of the The Pittsburgh Courier, passed on Aug. 28, 2003.
He is one of the first two African-American reporters credentialed
by the War Department to cover World War II. In 1943, he interviewed
Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt at the Tehran Conference. He also
covered the "Buffalo Solders" (92nd Infantry Division) and the "Tuskegee
Airmen" (322nd Fighter Group).
Here's to Frank and his
legendary journalistic life! If
you ever have a bad day, think of Frank E. Bolden. If you ever
feel pause as you wake up in the morning and don't
want to go to work, think of Frank E. Bolden. Know that your contribution
to journalism makes a difference every single day. Take pride
in your work, break stories, dig deep and truly cover the surrounding
communities, dialogue within your newsroom, make a difference
by simply coming to work every single day prepared and humbled
by the grand opportunity to be a working member of your newsroom.
Be proud to know that every thing you do today in your journalism
life has the potential to lift someone up, make someone's day,
educate the community, inform a reader, and/or inspire an open
mind to walk in "your" shoes one day.
Mr. Bolden was 90 years old and he lived the life
of three gentlemen. Mr. Bolden passed suddenly yesterday. He was
a great human. He was especially concerned for young people and
the need for more opportunities for them to gain access to higher
education. He inspired many people and fellow journalists. He covered
WWII and later the Civil Rights Movement for the Pittsburgh Courier.
His legacy will live on. One charge during his life was to challenge
every person he met to work hard, represent, seek more education,
and reveal the stories that exist in every community. Mr. Bolden
lived for the Black Press and its power and resonance. He spoke
of the need for more Black voices in newsrooms and more resources
for an influential national Black Press. His spirit lives on in
all Black journalists. As you go to work this morning, know that
your presence and contribution is unparalleled and vitally important
to your newsroom dialogue and coverage. If you ever find yourself
not feeling up to going to work one day, remember Frank E. Bolden
and think about how much value your voice, your experience, and
your presence carries.
Frank E. Bolden is survived by his wife Nancy. A
scholarship exists in his name via The Poise Foundation. An independent
film was released about his journalism experience. It is titled "Frank
Bolden: The Man Behind the Words." Mr. Bolden is the recipient
of the National Association of Black Journalists 2003 Legacy Award
and is featured in the Spring 2003 NABJ Journal. He has also been
honored by the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
Useful advice from Mr. Bolden: "Be yourself.
Nobody can do it better."
Sarah Glover
Philadelphia Inquirer
NABJ Secretary
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