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In a pivotal moment of uncertainty during my career, I questioned my place in journalism. Then, I walked through The Dallas Weekly’s doors and encountered James Washington. His towering presence and commanding voice greeted me when I walked in, asking if he needed a freelancer.
“Why aren’t you asking me for a job,” he barked.
“I’m not sure I want to stay in journalism. I’m thinking of doing something else,” I stammered. What I hesitated to articulate but felt deeply was the sense of brokenness that had crept into my spirit, leaving me unsure about whether I was cut out for this profession. It was as if he had seen right through me.
Like countless other Black journalists, I found solace and support within the walls of The Dallas Weekly, where Washington provided a platform and a sanctuary to hone my craft. Little did he know, his guidance was pivotal in rebuilding my confidence, enabling me to progress to roles at prestigious publications such as People and Newsweek magazines, where I worked as a contract correspondent. It empowered me to spearhead Eclipse Magazine and its companion website, both celebrated for its innovation and coverage of Texas power, politics, and culture.
Though the years passed without regular contact, fate reunited us in 2019; this time, I walked through the doors at The Atlanta Voice.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, only half-joking. I told him I was there to ask him for a job. He smiled—a rarity from the seasoned publisher-turned-president of the Voice.
Washington had entrusted the reins of The Dallas Weekly to his son, Patrick, as he ventured to assist in leading The Atlanta Voice alongside his wife, Janis Ware. Washington, as Ware lovingly calls him, often humorously reminded others that she was the publisher and he worked for her.
At the Voice, a rising star named Marshall Lattimore had caught my attention. Having fled the confines of corporate newsrooms, Marshall found refuge at the Voice, where his talents could flourish under Washington’s leadership. Trusting in Marshall’s vision, Washington and Ware empowered him to implement significant changes, including modernizing the publication’s digital presence and adapting to new media landscapes. Witnessing the innovation unfold – rare in many legacy Black Press institutions – earned the Voice one of the first grants from the Racial Equity in Journalism Fund at Borealis Philanthropy, where I had the privilege of serving as the founding fund manager.
Washington referred to himself as a public relations guy by trade and training, not a journalist. His commitment to truth-telling and community empowerment spoke volumes. He created safe havens for young journalists, encouraging them to amplify their communities’ voices and hold power to account—a testament to his love for his people, the Black Press, and the pursuit of journalistic integrity.
Though I never held a full-time position under Washington’s leadership, his influence was instrumental in anchoring me to the field of journalism. I will remain eternally grateful for this.
James Washington passed away on Tuesday after bravely battling cancer for several years.
He was 73.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Janis; his devoted children, Elena Bonifay (and husband David Bonifay) and Patrick Washington (and wife Jessica Washington); his cherished grandchildren– James Spencer Emanuel Washington, Penelope Elena Jimenez Washington, and William Emmanuel Edward Austin Bonifay – and his nieces and nephews as well as a host of dedicated journalists who will miss him dearly.
Services to honor his memory will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Elizabeth Baptist Church in the City of South Fulton, Ga. 30331.
Tracie Powell is a leader in philanthropic efforts to increase racial equity and diversity in news media. She is the founder of The Pivot Fund, which seeks to support independent BIPOC community news. Powell was a Fall 2021 Shorenstein Center Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School.
