Andrew Spurgeon "Doc" Young (October 29, 1919 – September 6, 1996) was an American sports journalist and author. He was also one of the first African American publicists working in Hollywood.[2] Throughout his career he received numerous honors from the National Newspaper Publishers Association.[3]
A. S. "Doc" Young | |
---|---|
Born | [1] | October 29, 1919
Died | September 6, 1996[1] | (aged 76)
Education | Hampton Institute |
Occupation(s) | Journalist, writer |
Notable credit(s) | Chicago Defender Ebony Magazine Los Angeles Sentinel |
Spouse | Hazel M. Young |
Children | Norman Gregory Young, PhD; Brenda L. Young, Esq. |
Relatives | Ruth Y. Wilson, sister |
Background edit
Andrew Spurgeon Young was born in Dunbrooke, Virginia, the eldest child of Andrew P. Young and Gertrude Norman. In 1941, he graduated from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) with a bachelor's degree in business administration. While a student at Hampton, he served as editor of the school newspaper.[3]
Career edit
As a young man, he was influenced by the work of Frank A. (Fay) Young (no relation), the first African American to have a weekly sports column.[4]
In the 1950s, he served in several top editorial positions at Jet Magazine and Ebony Magazine. He also worked in editorial positions at the Los Angeles Sentinel and the Chicago Defender.[3]
Young also has the distinction of being the first black publicist in Hollywood. He worked as a unit publicist on the films The Defiant Ones and Kings Go Forth.[2]
Additionally, Young is the author of several books, including Negro Firsts in Sports (Johnson Publishing Company, 1963).[3]
Death edit
References edit
- ^ a b "Social Security Death Index [database on-line]". United States: The Generations Network. Archived from the original on October 7, 2010. Retrieved October 8, 2010.
- ^ a b Reynolds, J. R. (February 18, 1995). "The rhythm and the blues: Boyz II Men are top soul train nominees; BET special spotlights pioneer publicist". Billboard. New York City: BPI Communications: 20.
- ^ a b c d e Flanagan, Sylvia P., ed. (September 30, 1996). "A.S. 'Doc' Young, Noted Journalist-Author, Dies". Jet. 90 (20). Chicago, Illinois: Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.: 60.
- ^ Young, A.S. (Doc) (October 1970). Johnson, John H. (ed.). "The black sportswriter:The Black athlete in the golden age of sports-part IX". Ebony. 25 (12). Chicago, Illinois: Johnson Publishing Company, Inc.: 56–58, 60–62, 64.