ATLANTA — James Washington, an advocate and pillar of the Black press in Atlanta and elsewhere, died on Tuesday, according to reporting from the outlet he led and contributed to, The Atlanta Voice.
Washington was the President and General Manager at The Atlanta Voice. He was 73.
"Washington had always been a strong representation of Black excellence and intelligence," Voice Editor in Chief Donnell Suggs wrote.
He had been the Voice's president and GM since 2003, according to his profile on the Voice website.
In addition to Atlanta, Washington was known for his championing of Black journalism in Dallas, Texas. The Voice report noted his time as publisher of The Dallas Weekly as well as his numerous philanthropic and civic positions in Dallas.
He has been honored by several organizations and has received the National Association of Black Journalists Legacy Award.
"The #NABJFamily mourns the loss of James Washington, President and general manager of The Atlanta Voice," NABJ posted on social media. "His profound impact on journalism and communications will never be forgotten."
He graduated from Southern University, a historically Black university, and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for his Master's.
Washington is survived by his wife, The Atlanta Voice publisher Janis Ware, two children and multiple grandchildren, according to the report.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens commented on Washington's passing:
“Atlanta has lost a great man in the passing of James A. Washington. Whether here at home or other markets, Washington used his talents and acumen in journalism to prompt dialogue on issues centric to Black communities, and we are all better for his work. My thoughts are with his wife and business partner Janis, their children and all who loved him.”
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