Ronald Smothers, a distinguished journalist renowned for his coverage of significant racial issues and milestones in the African American community, passed away on April 24 in Wilmington, Delaware. He was 79 years old. His daughter, Val Dorah Smothers, reported that his death followed a stroke he suffered last year while living in a nursing home.
### Pioneering Career in Journalism
Mr. Smothers’ career spanned nearly four decades, including 35 years at The New York Times, where he served as the Atlanta bureau chief during pivotal events such as the bombing at Centennial Olympic Park during the 1996 Summer Olympics. Hired during the late 1960s, at a time when most newsrooms were predominantly white, he was part of a small group of African American journalists who reshaped the narrative in a period marked by the civil rights movement. Smothers believed it was essential for Black social and political trends to be accurately represented in news coverage.
Jack E. White, a friend and fellow journalist, remarked that Mr. Smothers experienced journalism not just as a career, but as a vocation, stating, “Being a Black journalist in those days was a calling as much as a profession.”
### Reporting During Turbulent Times
Mr. Smothers began his journalism journey as an intern at The Washington Post just after graduating college. His first assignment, covering the unrest in Newark after the police beating of a Black taxi driver in July 1967, was indicative of his future reporting on racial tensions. He later reported on the atmosphere in Washington, D.C., immediately following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968. Here, he encountered and reported a significant incident involving Stokely Carmichael, a prominent civil rights leader. Carmichael’s interaction with the crowd, which Smothers witnessed firsthand, produced a report that contradicted rival accounts, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities of reporters during such turbulent times.
In the years that followed, Mr. Smothers continued to navigate the complex landscape of race relations in America. Shortly after his time at The Washington Post, he joined The New York Times in 1972, where he began covering local government and suburban issues.
### Confronting Press Issues and Milestones
During his time at The Times, Mr. Smothers was involved in a class-action lawsuit against the newspaper, alleging discrimination against minority groups in hiring and promotions. This suit, settled in 1980, led to an increased commitment from The Times to diverse recruitment strategies, although it did not entail back pay or promotional provisions.
In 1984, he covered Rev. Jesse Jackson’s presidential campaign, which marked a significant moment in American political history. This campaign highlighted Jackson’s influence and the possibility of a Black candidate achieving national office. Additionally, Smothers reported on Jackson’s diplomatic mission to Syria, which resulted in the release of a downed U.S. Navy flyer, showcasing his ability to capture significant international incidents.
Mr. Smothers faced critiques regarding the coverage of Jackson’s campaign, particularly concerning the handling of sensitive remarks made by Jackson. He contended that Black reporters were scrutinized more than their white counterparts, pushing back against the notion that they might be less objective due to their racial backgrounds.
### A Legacy of Community and Connections
In the late 1980s, Mr. Smothers relocated to Atlanta, where he reported for nearly a decade, cultivating connections and gaining a reputation for accessibility and approachability among local sources. His tenure as bureau chief was marked by his handling of the aftermath of the Olympic park bombing, where his leadership was praised amid the chaos.
With over 3,000 bylines to his name throughout his career, Mr. Smothers was known for his preference for breaking news over lengthy investigations. His journalistic passion extended beyond reporting, as he shared his expertise with the next generation of reporters by teaching journalism at the University of Delaware after retiring from The Times in 2007.
### Early Life and Personal Background
Born on September 3, 1946, in Washington, D.C., Ronald Eric Smothers was raised in a family where both education and entrepreneurship were valued. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Hobart College in New York. Over the years, he was known not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his vibrant personality and deep engagement with Black culture, a passion that influenced those around him.
Mr. Smothers is survived by his daughter, Val Dorah Smothers, a son, DeJoseph Smothers, and a granddaughter. His professional contributions and commitment to addressing racial disparities in media continue to resonate within the journalism community and beyond.
Source: Original Reporting
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