Political Journalist and Activist George E. Curry Dies

George E. Curry Freedom Fighter 1947-2016
George E. Curry,
Freedom Fighter, 1947-2016
By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. –

The freedom struggle and civil rights movement of black people in America and throughout the world lost a courageous, iconic freedom-fighter, journalist and leader when George E. Curry, 69, died of heart failure in Tacoma Park, Md.

Curry’s syndicated column ran in hundreds of black-owned newspapers around the United States.

If I could find one word in the English language to describe the professional and brotherly tenacity of George Curry, it would be “courageous.” He used his pen and his wit to openly challenge injustice in the face and presence of oppression. George had the courage to both write and speak truth to power without compromise of principle or ethics.

As we face the immediate future, let us all first be thankful that we had the opportunity and blessing to work with George Curry. But we must show our gratitude by making sure that his courageous example of journalism continues. There is an African proverb that says “Freedom fighters do not in spirit pass away, their spirit lives to inspire the next generation of freedom fighters.”

We all know that George Curry supported mentoring and guiding the development of young journalists. May these young journalists and others be guided by the great example of George Curry.