TMCF Mourns the Loss of Longtime Journalist George E. Curry
WASHINGTON, DC – August 22, 2016 – The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) mourns the loss and celebrates the legacy of former National Newspaper Association News Service (NNPA) editor-in-chief and Emerge Magazine’s Founder and Publisher, George E. Curry, who passed on Saturday, August 20, 2016.
“George was a fierce and outspoken supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),” said TMCF President & CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. “Curry continuously used his platform on a regular basis to raise awareness of the value and need for greater support for our institutions.”.
Starting his journalism career at Sports Illustrated, Curry continued to be a beacon of light for the Black Press, serving as Founder and Publisher of Emerge Magazine and former Editor-in Chief of NNPA. TMCF had the pleasure of witnessing Curry’s work as he moderated a press conference between TMCF’s President & CEO and CIA Director John O. Brennan in November of 2015 during our annual Leadership Institute and Awards Gala. In a recent series on the plight of HBCUs under the current administration, Curry triggered a national conversation on the levels of HBCU support from the federal government. His ability to speak truth to power, and hold people accountable on HBCUs, will be a significant part of his legacy.
“The HBCU community will forever remember George’s commitment to shining a light on proposed government policies that continue to affect HBCUs today,” Taylor continued. “His unapologetic commentaries continued to questioned the killing of black colleges.”
About Thurgood Marshall College Fund
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), established in 1987 is named for the U.S. Supreme Court’s first African-American Justice. TMCF represents all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and its member-schools include the 47 publicly-supported HBCUs. With TMCF member-schools educating 80% of all students attending HBCUs, TMCF helps students with a clear intention to succeed acquire a high-quality college education at an affordable cost. TMCF also efficiently connects high performing, world-ready students with top tier employment opportunities—access that students or employers might not have on their own. Through its scholarships and programs, TMCF plays a key role in preparing the leaders of tomorrow.
TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF and its initiatives, visit: tmcf.org.
