James Washington, a towering figure in advocacy for the Black Press and a luminary in the communications field, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was 73 years old.
For over four decades, Washington dedicated his life’s work to amplifying Black voices and stories through numerous high-profile media roles. He served as publisher of The Dallas Weekly and public relations manager for the Dallas Ballet, among other positions.
Washington’s unwavering commitment to uplifting his community extended far beyond his professional endeavors. He twice served on the boards of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce and Dallas Arboretum, as well as the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and National Newspaper Publishers Association.
His leadership roles included tri-chair of Dallas’ Commission on Race Relations, member of the Federal Reserve’s Small Business Advisory Committee, and former chair of the Dallas Together Forum on community unity.
Washington’s tireless efforts earned him widespread recognition and accolades. In 1986, he was named “Man of the Year” by the Dallas Metropolitan Club of Negro Business and Professional Women. Subsequent honors flowed from esteemed organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The Links, NAACP, and Dallas Black Dance Theatre.
A proud graduate of the HBCU Southern University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Washington’s educational achievements paved the way for his pioneering media career championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
He is survived by his wife, The Atlanta Voice publisher Janis L. Ware, daughter Elena Bonifay (husband David), son Patrick Washington (wife Jessica), grandchildren James, Penelope, and William, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Throughout his extraordinary life, James Washington exemplified black excellence while leaving an indelible mark as a trailblazer and leader. His voice for justice and equality will echo through generations to come within the communities he served with such distinction.