Black First of the Day
Which was the African American Columnist to win a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary?
- He received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University.
- His column is nationally syndicated.
- He worked at the Chicago Tribune.
- He is also a book author and he is a regular analyst for ABC News.
1989
Clarence Page (1947-)
In 1989 Clarence Page (1947-) became the first black columnist to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize. He joined the Chicago Tribune staff in 1969 and later became a syndicated columnist and editorial writer for the paper. His interest in journalism began in high school, and while there he won an award from the Southeast Ohio High School Newspaper Association for best feature article. He received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Ohio University in Athens in 1969 and went to work for the Tribune soon after. After a brief tour of duty in the military interrupted his employment, he returned to the Tribune and made rapid progress. Page's column is nationally syndicated, and his freelance writings have appeared in a variety of sources. He is also an author of longer works, having written his first book in 1996; a regular analyst for ABC News; and an occasional participant on several television news shows and PBS documentaries. (In 1950, Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) was the first black to win a Pulitzer. She won for her book of poetry, Annie Allen.)
Sources: Contemporary Black Biography, vol. 4, pp. 187-90; Jet 76 (17 April 1989): 23; Who's Who among African Americans, 26th ed., p. 957.
From Black Firsts: 4,000 Ground-Breaking and Pioneering Events by Jessie Carney Smith, © 2013 Visible Ink Press®. A celebration of achievement, accomplishments and pride.
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