A heartfelt memorial service will be held at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, to honor the memory of James A. Washington, a respected figure in journalism and community advocacy. Officiated by Reverend William White, the service welcomes the Dallas community and friends from around the globe to join in commemorating the remarkable life of James Washington.
Also attending will be Bobby R. Henry, publisher of the Westside Gazette (Fort Lauderdale, FL) and Chariman of the National News- paper Publishers Association and Janis Ware Washington, publisher of the Atlanta Voice and Mr. Washington’s widow.
Mr. Washington, former Publisher of the Dallas Weekly, touched the lives of many with his pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication to the field of journalism. His passing on April 2, 2024, in Atlanta, GA, was deeply felt by all who knew him. Well -known as a trailblazer for the Black Press, James’s legacy transcends borders, leaving an everlasting mark on the industry.
Throughout his career, Mr. Washington earned widespread acclaim and recognition, including the prestigious Legacy Award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in 2019. His commitment to championing Black businesses and fostering future leaders was evident in his stewardship of the Dallas Weekly, where he served as Publisher in 1985. Under his guidance, the publication became a beacon of journalistic excellence and a platform for aspiring writers and reporters.
Today, the Washington family continues James’s legacy, with his son and daughter-in-law Patrick and Jess Washington leading the helm of the Dallas Weekly. Their dedication ensures that the vision lives on, inspiring generations of journalists to come.
For those wishing to pay tribute to Mr. Washington, the memorial service offers an opportunity to share cherished memories and stories, reflecting on the joyous moments shared with a true legend.
In honor of his memory, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the James A. Washington Foundation, Inc.
Light refreshments will be served following the ceremony. The formal repast will be exclusively for family members and close family friends.
Since its establishment in 1954, the Dallas Weekly has served as a pivotal hub for the Black community in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. With an unbroken streak of publication spanning 70 years, the Dallas Weekly has solidified its position as the premier and most relied-up- on voice within the African diaspora of North Texas.
Today, the Dallas Weekly, affectionately known as the DW, stands as a dynamic multimedia entity, wielding influence not only on a national scale but also venturing into international discourse, particularly with the rising presence of Black immigrants. In addition to its award-winning traditional print edition, we have expanded our reach through a cutting-edge multimedia website, an engaging
e-edition, a burgeoning community of social media followers, and the recent launch of our internet radio station.
These diverse platforms under-score the Dallas Weekly’s evolution into a distinctive niche brand operating on a multifaceted multimedia landscape. At the heart of our mission lies our commitment to delivering compelling content that resonates with our community and celebrates our rich culture.