james_edward_lewis_sr.jpegBIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -Birmingham Times publisher James Edward Lewis Sr. has died. The historically black newspaper announced Lewis' death on Monday. He was 68.

The cause of death wasn't immediately clear.

A statement from the paper says Lewis died Sunday afternoon.

Lewis was the son of Birmingham Times founder Jesse J. Lewis Sr., who began the paper in 1964 to give blacks a voice during the civil rights era.

Lewis says the paper will continue under the leadership of longtime editor Sheryl Eldridge.

Services for Lewis will be held Thursday in Birmingham.