News Briefs
Email it
Print itCarl E. Morris: NAMME Founder and Visionary Passes
(1931-2004)
Posted Aug. 31, 2004
Staff Report
The industry lost a leader, a visionary and champion for diversity when Carl E. Morris, founder and the first executive director of the National Association of Minority Media Executives, passed away in his home on Friday, August 27th.
Carl envisioned the grandest collaboration of all time—to change the face, the frame and the fabric of the media business. That vision led to the creation of NAMME, an organization where all races and ethnicities, working in every function of media (business and news) and in every form of media (TV, radio, newspapers, online) come together under one tent to advance the diversity agenda in media.
Carl was a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1949 where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon completion of his military service with honor, he went on to West Virginia State College where he graduated in 1957.
His career in newspapers had its beginnings with the St. Louis Argus newspaper in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1967 he returned to his hometown of Pittsburgh to join the New Pittsburgh Courier where he became general manager and executive editor. From the Courier he joined the staff of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 1978.
The drive to make a difference industry-wide began in 1983 with his move to the metropolitan Washington area to join the American Society of Newspaper Editors. As ASNE’s first Director of Minority Affairs he began the newsroom survey, job fairs and other initiatives to bring a greater minority presence to American newsrooms. In 1986, he became the executive director of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), where he helped the organization establish its first national office and published the first people of color in the media report.
He continued to broaden his impact on the industry as executive director of NAMME, where he continued the people of color in media report. In addition, he established the NAMME Diversity Awards program, the media industry’s first awards program to recognize individuals who have played a critical role in advancing diversity within the media business and launched the Albert E. Fitzpatrick Leadership Development Institute, all of which continue today.
Even in retirement, he never ceased his efforts to keep the industry focused on the need to improve its track record in diversity. He produced the Morris Memo and continued his Newspaper and Television Diversity report. Says Gregory Favre, former Executive Editor of the Sacramento Bee, “I am saddened to hear of the loss of Carl. His words and his wisdom and his actions focused long-needed sunshine on the darkness of discrimination in our business. And for that, he will be long remembered.”
“Carl was cantankerous at times but he was an outstanding professional and a brilliant visionary,” said Al Fitzpatrick, NAMME founding Chair and board member.
“His was a legacy of accountability and excellence,” says Toni F. Laws, NAMME executive director. “Accountability for fairness in opportunity, accuracy in representing all communities of color and excellence in whatever duties you perform. If at any time the industry or individuals failed to keep that standard, Carl would call them on it.”
Service Arrangements
The viewing will be held on Thursday, September 2 from 2-4p.m. and 6-8p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 3 at 11a.m. Both the viewing and funeral will be held at the Adams Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170. Flowers may be ordered through the Herndon Florist across from the Funeral Home 703/437-4990.