DETROIT (AP) — Samuel Logan Jr., publisher of the prominent African-American newspaper the Michigan Chronicle, who was known for his dedication to news coverage of the black community and a willingness to make tough stands, has died. He was 78.
Logan died Dec. 28 at his home in Detroit, the newspaper's Senior Editor Bankole Thompson said in an email Dec. 29.
“He was a pioneer in black journalism and the great history that gave birth to the black press in America…He was very keen about the public's right to know,” Thompson said.
The newspaper an-nounced that funeral service had been scheduled for Friday, Jan. 6, in Detroit.
The newspaper said Hiram Jackson will serve as its interim publisher. He is chief executive of the Chronicle's parent company, Real Times Media.
Logan's career at the Chronicle spanned a half-century. He rose through a variety of advertising and marketing jobs and served as publisher for several years until 2000, when he founded the black newspaper Michigan Front Page, before returning in 2003 as the Chronicle's publisher.
Logan drew criticism in 1994 when the Chronicle, which is based in heavily Democratic Detroit, endorsed Republican Gov. John Engler for re-election. The endorsement drew pickets and boycotts by black leaders and about 200 protesters burned copies of the newspaper that November.
“We're here to make a difference, not a dollar,” Logan said at the time
Photo: Samuel Logan Jr.
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