The Founder of the Amsterdam News, Wilbert Tatum has died. Here is Al Sharpton’s statement.

“I was informed late last evening by Ms. Elinor Tatum of the passing of her father, Wilbert Tatum.  Bill Tatum, Publisher Emeritus of the New York Amsterdam News and former Deputy Borough President of Manhattan, is an iconic and vitally important figure in both journalism and civil rights.  I first met him when I was a teenager involved in civil rights work in New York and have known him over 30 years.  His courage, his tenacity, his sagacity, and his advocacy, is unparalleled in African-American journalism.  We have lost a great advocate, a penetrating writer, an unmatchable institution builder, and for me, a great friend and father figure.  I will be working closely with “Elly” and his widow Susan towards funeral arrangements next week and the returning of his remains in his beloved New York City.”

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