NABJ Remembers Journalist and Historian Lerone Bennett, Jr.

Style Magazine Newswire | 2/16/2018, 3:43 p.m.
The National Association of Black Journalists recognizes the exceptional life of journalist and historian Lerone Bennett, Jr. who transitioned on …

Washington, D.C. (Feb. 15, 2018) -- The National Association of Black Journalists recognizes the exceptional life of journalist and historian Lerone Bennett, Jr. who transitioned on Wednesday. Bennett was a former editor for Ebony and Jet magazines, and spent decades exemplifying excellence in journalism.

Bennett was also an award-winning author whose works regularly documented the black experience in America. His first book, Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America, 1619-1962, was comprised of a series of articles originally published in Ebony, and served as Bennett's defining body of work as a historian.

Former NABJ President Bryan Monroe said Bennett made a critical contribution to journalism and media. In 2006, Monroe succeeded Bennett as vice president and editorial director for Ebony and Jet magazines at Johnson Publishing, and recalls Bennett as a legend in journalism. "The impact he made on Ebony, and the mark he made on history can never be forgotten," Monroe said.

NABJ President Sarah Glover said Bennett's career was essential to black history.

"Lerone Bennett, Jr.'s remarkable professional career took him from Morehouse classmate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to the top of Ebony's masthead. Bennett brought the rich and authentic stories of black people to life for more than half a century. His legacy lives on in the numerous budding journalists he mentored, such as NABJ stalwart Lynn Norment," said Glover.

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