LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Wilbert A. Tatum, a man of
singular distinction and a pioneer in African-American journalism

cms WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay proper
tribute to those individuals of extraordinary character whose lives
exemplified the highest ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic
endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in the great State of New
York; and
WHEREAS, Wilbert "Bill" Tatum of New York City, New York, died on
Thursday, February 26, 2009, at the age of 76; and
WHEREAS, A great advocate and a penetrating writer, Wilbert A. Tatum
is an iconic and vitally important figure in both journalism and civil
rights; his courage, his tenacity, his sagacity, and his advocacy, are
unparalleled in African-American journalism; and
WHEREAS, Wilbert A. Tatum was the longtime publisher of THE AMSTERDAM
NEWS, New York City's oldest African-American newspaper, and one of the
oldest ethnic papers in the country; and
WHEREAS, Wilbert A. Tatum held multiple roles throughout his 25-year
tenure at the publication, including editor, publisher, chairman and
chief executive; and
WHEREAS, His exceptional leadership of THE AMSTERDAM NEWS, made his
name nearly synonymous with the paper's; and
WHEREAS, The former Deputy Borough President of Manhattan, Wilbert A.
Tatum will forever serve as a strong pioneering role model for both
African-American men and women, as well as all Americans, for he exem-
plified the virtues of family, sacrifice, excellence, determination and
self-confidence; and
WHEREAS, Wilbert A. Tatum's highest priority and joy was his family;
he is survived by his wife, Susan, and his daughter, Elinor; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Wilbert A. Tatum leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Wilbert A. Tatum, a man of singular distinction and a
pioneer in African-American journalism; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Wilbert A. Tatum.