Benjamin Holman (1930–2007)

Pioneering African American newspaper and television reporter.[48]

What is Benjamin Holman (1930–2007) known for?

Benjamin F. Holman (1930 – January 20, 2007) was a significant figure in American journalism as a pioneering newspaper and television reporter. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Holman moved to Bloomfield, New Jersey at an early age, after the tragic passing of his father. His educational journey took him from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania to the University of Kansas, where he graduated top of his class with a degree in journalism. Holman then continued his graduate studies at the highly esteemed University of Chicago.

During his dynamic career, Holman worked for the Chicago Daily News and CBS News, becoming one of the few prominent Black journalists of his time. His professional journey extended into the political sphere, where he served the Nixon and Ford administrations as the Director of Community Relations. His role was instrumental in mediating racial disputes. Furthermore, his position as the Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department made him the highest-ranking African-American in this department.

His significant contribution extended to academia when he started teaching at the University of Maryland, College Park in 1979. During his fruitful tenure there, he contributed much to the development of the university's Philip Merrill College of Journalism, leaving an indelible impact on future generations of journalists. Holman retired in 2004 and passed away on January 20, 2007, due to complications from emphysema and congestive heart failure.

You can learn more about his remarkable life and achievements in the Washington Post obituary.