James Washington, a longtime black reporting pioneer and publisher emeritus of Dallas Weekly, died on April 2 at his home in Atlanta. He was 73 years old.
In 1989, Washington purchased the widely read North Texas African American News Weekly, which is now owned and operated by his son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Jessica Washington.
“He left a long shadow on us,” Patrick said.
Patrick said his father, who was born and raised in Chicago, brought fearless and innovative ideas to Dallas that elevated the black business community at a time when they weren't always welcomed.
“He laid the foundation for a supportive Black business space that hasn’t necessarily happened yet,” Patrick said. “I've seen younger Black people move to Dallas with the same mentality that they had when they came here. It's an ecosystem that we all need to rise up together.”
Patrick said he will miss long talks with his father more than anything.
At the time of his death, Washington was president and general manager of Atlanta Voices.
Washington served on the boards of the Dallas Negro Chamber of Commerce, the Dallas Arboretum, the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, and the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
He is a former co-chair of the Dallas Race Relations Commission and the Dallas Together Forum. The Dallas Metropolitan Club's Negro Business Professionals Club named Washington its “Man of the Year” in 1986.
“The most important thing he did was make sure the paper was not just a newspaper, but deeply involved in supporting the community,” said Washington's ex-wife and mother of his children Patrick and Patrick. said Victoria Meek. Elena.
Meek told Dallas Weekly that Washington's greatest pride is leaving a legacy for his children.
“He always said, 'I have to do this because I have to give to the kids,'” Meek said.
Washington is a founding member of the National Association of Black Journalists and received the organization's Legacy Award in 2019.
“He created a safe haven for young journalists, encouraged them to amplify the voices of their communities, and hold those in power accountable. It's a testament to the love of the people,” said leader Tracy Powell. Philanthropy to increase racial equity and diversity in news media.
Washington reflected on Christianity in his 2019 book “Spiritually Speaker,” which he dedicated to his wife and children.
Washington studied English and educational media at Southern University, a historically black college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and graduated with a master's degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Ware, publisher of Atlanta Voices; his two children, Elena and Patrick; and three grandchildren.
The family plans to host a local Washington memorial service on May 4 at Friendship West Baptist Church.
