[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 137 (Saturday, September 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM BROWER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the recent retirement 
from the Blade newspaper of Toledoan William Brower, a well-known 
veteran journalist of more than 50 years. He became one of the first 
African-Americans to work for a daily Ohio newspaper. He was officially 
recognized this year by the National Association of Black Journalists 
for its Lifetime Achievement Award.
  A Wilberforce University graduate, Bill began his journalism career 
writing for African-American newspapers in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and 
Richmond, VA. Hired by Toledo's newspaper, the Blade, in 1947, Bill 
began as a general assignment reporter. Throughout his years with the 
paper, he held positions covering the police, courthouse, and education 
beats, and served as an assistant city editor, news editor, and 
associate editor. His thrice weekly editorial columns covering 
politics, sports, and topics of interest to African-Americans became a 
staple of Toledo area news.
  In 1951 he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize nomination for a series of 
stories written after a tour of 20 States on the conditions experienced 
by black Americans. In 1971, he followed that story with a series, 
``Black America--20 Years Later,'' which won him a Robert F. Kennedy 
Foundation Award.
  The National Association of Black Journalists paid tribute to Bill 
for his ``pioneering spirit'' and ``outstanding leadership in the media 
industry.'' The same can be said of his role in our community. Bill 
Brower and his wife Edna have been groundbreakers, trailblazers, and 
voices of strength and wisdom, in Toledo. Their dedication to one 
another continues to be a source of inspiration to us all. His writings 
have often required us to look at a reflection of ourselves, and in 
doing so, have moved us to become better people.
  No commendation could sum up fully half a century of journalistic 
achievement. But in honoring his life, the Blade has endorsed 
independent thought and the advancement of our common heritage as a 
free people.

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