Fatimah Ali, the unmistakable voice that welcomed listeners on the WURD900am airwaves with her show “The Real Deal with Fatimah Ali,” has died. The station announced in a statement that the veteran journalist, whose career spanned print and broadcast, died Tuesday morning. She was 55.

Ali, who spoke of her career beginning in 1981, last appeared on the airwaves on Jan. 23 following her show. Details surrounding her death are currently unavailable but she did inform listeners that she was battling a cold.

“She will be deeply, deeply missed here at WURD. She provided a fiery program, our 10 to 12 noon show Monday through Friday called the Real Deal with Fatimah Ali and she was a veteran journalist; an outspoken critic of culture and education,” said Sara Lomax-Reese, president and general manager of WURD 900am Radio.

Lomax-Reese shared what she believed Ali’s legacy would be.

“She was an advocate of prisoners and incarcerated men and women and she just spoke truth to power and that was really her legacy of not being intimidated and not backing down to anyone regardless of their title or position,” she said.

“So, she was just a real, outspoken advocate for people who didn’t have a voice.”

The tributes have continued to pour in following Ali’s unexpected death from colleagues and friends who lauded not only her, but her remarkable career. In addition to her stint at WURD, Ali was a former Philadelphia Daily News columnist and held other positions in the field she loved.

Ali is survived by her husband Natu Ali and five children, Ariell Hughes, Khadija Ahmaddiya, Rashida Ali, Yasmin Ali and Malik Ahmaddiya.

Service information is pending, but WURD 900am said that a tribute in her honor will be held on Friday Jan. 27.

Reverend Canon Thomas Wilson Stearly Logan Sr. was the oldest serving African-American priest in the Episcopal Church, USA.

Father Logan died May 2, 2012. He was 100.

He was born in Philadelphia on March 19, 1912. The son of a minister and a teacher, Logan was one of eight siblings to graduate from college. Education and achievement were very important in the Logan family.

After graduating from Central High School for Boys, he attended Johnson C. Smith University and later graduated from Lincoln University in 1935 with a bachelor’s degree. Three years later, he earned a bachelor of sacred theology from General Theological Seminary in New York City, and in 1941 received a master of scared theology from Philadelphia Divinity School (now Episcopal School). Over the years, Logan also received five honorary doctorates from Lincoln University, Hampton University and St. Augustine’s College.

In 1938, he married Hermione Hill at St. Simon of Cyrenian Church in South Philadelphia. The ceremony was officiated by his father, Rev. John R. Logan Sr., and his brother, Rev. John R. Logan Jr.

From this union one son was born, Rev. Father Thomas W.S. Logan Jr., who died in 2011.

“They are certainly the couple of longevity,” Michael Nutter said as he reflected on the Logans during a birthday celebration held for Hermione Hill Logan in March 2011 at City Council chambers.

“Father Logan is the oldest African-American priest in the country. His service has been quite incredible and Mrs. Logan has been with him every step along the way. They really are quite an incomparable pair, but their service to the community, to the nation, and I would suggest to the world, has really been something to admire. Any one of us should hope to do so much, and live so long.”

Logan devoted more than 73 years of his life to the Episcopal Church. He spent his dedicated ministry serving on commissions and community groups as well as in parochial leadership. He was ordained as a deacon in June 1938 in the Diocese of Pennsylvania at Holy Apostles Church. The following year, he advanced to the priesthood at St. Peter’s Church in Philadelphia. He served as curate at St. Phillips Church in New York City from 1938 to 1939; vicar at St. Augustine’s Chapel in Yonkers from 1938 to 1939; and vicar and rector at St. Michael’s and All Angels Church in Philadelphia from 1940 to 1945. At St. Michael’s, Logan worked successfully to eliminate the church’s debt during his first 12 months there. As its first rector, Logan helped quadruple the church’s membership in less than five years.

In 1945, Logan helped merge Calvary Monumental Church with St. Michael’s Church, creating one of Philadelphia’s first interracial congregations. He was elevated to rector at Calvary Church Northern Liberties in Philadelphia, where he served until his retirement in 1984, when he was bestowed the title of rector emeritus at Calvary Church.

He also served as interim priest for five Philadelphia parishes, associate priest at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, and chaplain of Philadelphia’s Presbyterian and Misericordia

hospitals and the Philadelphia Police Department.

Logan has also served the church in a number of other leadership roles, including delegate to the Anglican Conference in Cape Town, South Africa; member of the Restitution Fund Commission; past president of the Homeless Fund; member of the Diocesan Council; a founder of the National Conference of Black Episcopalians; past president of the National Workers Conference USA; member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and life member of the Union of Black Episcopalians.

Logan has been a visionary leader in various fraternal and civic organizations locally and nationally. He is a past Most Worshipful Grandmaster of the Prince Hall Masonry of Pennsylvania; Imperial Chaplain of the Shrine of North America; former president of the Hampton University Ministries Conference; Exalted Ruler of the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks of the World and international chaplain, Frontiers International.

He was a member of Sigma Pi Phi (Boule.) He was also celebrated as the longest serving and oldest living member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., becoming a member in 1933.

His extraordinary contributions to the City of Philadelphia and region go far beyond that of a parish rector. He is past president of the Tribune and Rafters’ Charities and was one of the founders of the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

Committed to equity, opportunity and active in the local and national work for social and economic justice, Logan was a life member of the NAACP, and former board member of branches in Philadelphia and Darby, Pa. In the early 1960s, he was active with the National Baptist Convention and collaborated with Martin Luther King Jr. in organizational and fundraising efforts in Philadelphia to support civil rights strategies.

Logan’s service to humanity and community leadership has been recognized by countless awards and citations from church, education, fraternal and community organizations nationwide.

His family said he has served God, church and community with conviction, valor, dignity, unwavering faith and unparalleled commitment.

He is survived by his wife, Hermione Hill Logan; brother, Leonard Logan; sister, Phyllis Logan Simms; grandchildren, Lisa Logan Leach, Thomas W.S. Logan III, Jina Simmons, Kaia Jacobi and Sherry Logan; great-grandchildren, Lionel Anthony Leach III, Angel Fowlkes, Zoey Simmons, Naiomi Fowlkes; daughters-in-law, Brenda Moore Logan and Karol Logan; and other relatives and friends.

The first viewing will be held May 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, 6361 Lancaster Avenue. The second viewing will be held May 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral, 3723 Chestnut Street. Mass will follow at 11. Burial will be in Eden Cemetery, Collingdale, Pa.

Wood Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Attorney, author, historian leaves powerful legacy for Philadelphia and the world

Dr. Edward Robinson Jr., Esq., historian and author died on Wednesday night, June 13, after a long battle with cancer. He was 94. At the time of this death, the legendary professor was surrounded in hospice by family members and friends, including his wife of 41 years, Harriette C. Robinson.

For more than six decades, Robinson served as a teacher and mentor to some of Philadelphia’s most influential people. His mentees include Rev. William Gray Jr., former congressman and president of the United Negro College Fund; current state Senator Leanna Washington; Dr. Walter Lomax, president of the Lomax Group and owner of WURD Radio; Dr. Molefi Asante, professor of history at Temple University; the d’Zert Club founders, Ali and Helen Salahuddin; Dr. Jackie Mayfield, co-founder of Comprotax, the largest Black-owned tax preparation company in America; and his nephew, the late state Representative David P. Richardson Jr.

As an author, he wrote “Journey of the Songhai People” and “Twas the Night before Kwanzaa.” He also produced CDs and DVDs such as “Black Rhapsody” and “The Songhai Princess.” As a curriculum specialist, he designed an infused African history course for the Philadelphia School District, and the secondary and group leader curricula for the highly successful d’Zert Club. At the time of his death, he was working on the crown jewel of his works, a full-length motion picture called, “Whispers of the Medallion.”

“For generations, Robinson was directed toward one goal: to effect a positive change of attitude toward the ancestral value of people of African descent by the total world society through dramatically exposing the beauty, grandeur and sophistication of ancient Egypt and the Songhai Empire,” said protégée Bob Lott, president and executive producer of Teamwork Productions, Inc.

As an attorney and entrepreneur, Robinson was the past-president of the Provident Home Life Insurance Company, a former member of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank, deputy secretary of the State of Pennsylvania and assistant managing director of the City of Philadelphia.

“In many respects, he was a Renaissance man,” recalled state Senator Vincent Hughes. “His intellectual capacity was overwhelming. His knowledge of the true contributions and the true history of all peoples, especially Africans in the Diaspora, was encyclopedic. Hearing him retell the story of the Songhai people, which was a particular focus of his, was mesmerizing — and it was factual. This was not a made-up story; this is documented history of the incredible contributions that African people made long before colonization. He and his family have a rich tradition of social justice and making sure that African people throughout the Diaspora were recognized for the significant contributions they made. Obviously, it always draws me back to his nephew, David Richardson, who I miss on a daily basis. I’m thankful to have lived in a time that Ed Robinson was around.

At age 80, Robinson produced a “Tri-Racial Comparative Time Line” which was commissioned by the national Keystone Mercy Health Corporation. He has produced numerous documentaries, including a series sponsored by 7-Eleven Stores (Southland Corporation). He has created an art gallery consisting of “The 100 Most Notable Africans and African Americans” together with a 400-word biography of each.

Robinson’s legacy included the live recording of a 1970s Black history lecture he gave at North Philadelphia’s (then all-girls) William Penn High School. In a voice filled with admiration and respect, his corrective history lesson began with the salutation, “My beautiful young Queens....” There was a moment of shocked silence as the students took in the conservatively dressed, middle-aged business executive, and then realizing the regal greeting was really meant for them, the Queens applauded delightedly. The live performance of Robinson’s continued fight for Black survival was captured for posterity on the spoken word collection entitled, “Black Rhapsody.”

“‘Black Rhapsody’” was the conduit that led into everything,” explained Black studies scholar and author Charles L. Blockson. “He was able to penetrate the system and the scholars. The teachers couldn’t do it, and he was an ally to the African-American teachers who were down there trying to start the programs when “Black Rhapsody” came out, he took it all over. The main thing was that he was committed to music. He realized that music could penetrate the students of all levels — from African-American students as well as adults. He went into the spirituals and told the story of our history from music — which is a part of our history.”

While encouraging an auditorium full of spellbound students, “Brother Ed,” as he was called, proceeded to demolish pseudo-scientific “theories” of Black inferiority and white superiority. Robinson discussed distorted history books and its effects today on Black and white Americans. The record album of his memorable speech at William Penn High was played throughout the African-American community, and even garnered airtime on commercial, college and alternative radio stations around the globe.

“I remember how powerful and imaginative he was. He made you use your imagination when he talked about the history,” recalled 107.9 WRNB FM “Philly Speaks” host E. Steven Collins. “Dr. Robinson was a lion in the true sense of what a lion represents: He roared — he had a tremendous impact on young people, as witnessed by his tremendous speech at William Penn High School. He was a visionary. He was a mentor for hundreds and hundreds of men, Black men in particular. You understood why the late, great David Richardson was so powerful because he impacted Dave. He impacted a lot of young men in his time to stand up and recognize how much strength we have as African-American men.”

The Robinsons were longtime members of A.M.E.Union Church and celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary together on June 9. Robinson’s brother, Calvin Robinson, and his son, Edward W. Robinson III, preceded him in death. In addition to his wife, Robinson is survived by his daughters, Pamela Robinson-Johnson and Michelle Harman; sister, Elaine A. Richardson; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. For more information regarding Dr. Robinson, visit http://www.drrobinson.org/.

Contact staff writer Bobbi Booker at (215) 893-5749 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Oran Vernell Brown transformed the lives of many young men and in doing so his life was enriched. He was the quintessential husband, father, friend and mentor. He died on Oct. 14. He was 66.
Brown was born to James A. Brown Sr. and Dorothy Bailey Brown on November 27, 1944 in Philadelphia. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ at Zion Baptist Church where he later sang in the choir and served as an usher.

Brown was educated within the Philadelphia Public School District and later graduated from Cheyney University in 1967 where he received a B.S. degree in Education. He pursued a career in education with the local school district as an educator and administrator for over 32 years.

He positively touched the lives of the young people with whom he interfaced. Because of his commitment to education, he was later a founding member of the Bensalem Equality Council whose mission was to increase the number of people of color in the Bensalem School District.

In 1970, Brown married the love of his life, Veronica (Ronni) Robinson. From this union, two daughters, Ayanna Brown Lewis and Kai Brown, were born. His family was his pride and joy and a source of his love.

In regards to serving the Lord, Brown was a member of Salem Baptist Church for over 20 years. In 2008, he joined Second Baptist Church of Doylestown where he deepened his faith and commitment to God. He served as a member of the Feeding Ministry, the Scholarship Committee and a member of the trustee board.

Brown was also very passionate about life and his family. He was gregarious and enjoyed traveling, entertaining and reading.

He possessed a “green thumb” which was evident by the beautiful plants around and in his home. He was a great storyteller and enjoyed critiquing the latest movies. In his family he was known as the “Movie Critic,” but above all he had a welcoming smile that lit up the room and made everyone in his presence feel comfortable and special.

Brown was transparent in expressing his truth in word and deeds. His vibrant storytelling and unique sense of humor were reflected in many of the stories, according to friends and family.

He was also affectionately known as “Daddi-o” and embodied the qualities of his fraternity in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Brown was initiated into the Gamma Omega Chapter at Cheyney University in 1965 where he served as Vice Polemarch and Keeper of Records.

In 1967, he joined the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter and actively served on many committees. He later transferred his service to the Norristown Alumni Chapter in 1991 where he served as Polemarch from 1996 to 1998. He continued to work on a Province level and was elected Senior Vice Polemarch in 2007.

In addition to this, he served on a national level as a fraternity member of various committees and commissions. He was a leader among men and dedicated to the principle of excellence. He received the James M. Kidd Award for distinguished and dedicated service in 2009.

Brown’s commitment to public service led him to seek membership in the Masonic organization. He was a member of Prince Hall Masonry; Ambler Lodge #19; De Molay Consistory; Susqi-Centennial and Pyramid Temple #1. He served as Worshipful Master from 2008 to 2009 and was currently a District Lecturer.

Brown leaves to mourn: wife, Veronica; daughters, Ayanna Lewis (Clifton) and Kai; brothers, James and Harold; brother-in-law, Marvin Robinson; sisters-in-law, Hazel Souder and Betty Robinson; grandson, Davon; nephews, Keith, Ebon, Edward, Andrew, James III and Jerald; nieces, Kelli, D’Ana, Janine, Lynn, Adrienne, Jennifer, Liani and Alexandra; goddaughter, Brittni; and a hosts of aunts, uncles, cousins and mentees.

Services will be held Oct. 21 at Grace Baptist Church of Germantown, 25 W. Johnson St. The viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The service will start at 11. Bruce R. Hawkins Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Shirley Turpin-Parham was employed by the Philadelphia Public School District for 30 years during which she was a museum teacher and researcher at the African-American History Museum. She later worked as a professor at Cheyney University as a teacher of Black History. Turpin-Parham died on Feb. 8. She was 73.

“My sister was a kind and loving and caring person,” said Naomi Turpin-Crumley. “She believed that African-American people should know of their rich heritage and their spiritual strength because those things have brought us this far.

“She also believed that no matter what the circumstance of birth the challenges of the present, we as an African people must get involved and move forward to make a better future,” she added.

Turpin-Parham was born on September 26, 1938 in Brooklyn, N.Y to Samuel Louis Turpin and Shirley Handy Turpin. She graduated from Chester High School in Chester in 1956.

She then attended Morgan State University and Cheyney University. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Cheyney in 1962. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Education and Urban Studies from Temple University where she also received her doctorate of education.

She met and married Joseph W. Parham, Sr. and they became the proud parents of Rolison W. Turpin and Joseph W. Parham, II.

Turpin-Parham was a dedicated member of Tindley Temple United Methodist Church. She served in various capacities, including Sunday school teacher and Christ serving minister and Vice President of the Central District, Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

Her past membership and affiliations included African Sisterhood, Social Studies Council, Rho Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History – to name a few.

Her family said Turpin-Parham took great pride in her work with the committees at the Clivedon House and Johnson House, which were associated with the Underground Railroad.

She was a historian who was greatly appreciated in Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania. She worked tirelessly in publishing numerous articles, critiques and lectures of African-American history, life and culture.

“My sister is one that once she grabbed hold to something, she continued,” Turpin-Crumley said.

“I will never be the person that she was and I’m just so proud that she was my sister.”

Among the awards she received were as Founding President and Appreciation for Dedicated Services as President for several years with the PhilaMontco Brand of the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History, Hall of Fame induction for Dedication and Contributions to Cheyney University and recognition by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, North Atlantic Region for Accomplishments as Educator/African-American History Specialist.

Turpin-Parham’s family said her yearning to experience the culture of her people and to see the lands from which they came took her to Africa and the Caribbean.

Turpin-Parham leaves to mourn: sons, Rolison and Joseph; mother, Shirley H. Turpin; sisters, Naomi Turpin-Crumley and Cora M. Turpin; grandsons, Rolison W. Turpin, II and Ryan W. Turpin; four great grandsons and a host of relatives and friends.

Turpin-Parham was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph W. Parham Sr.

A viewing will be held Feb. 15 at Powell Mortuary Services, 2432 N. 27th Street from 3 to 5 p.m. A second viewing will be held on Feb. 16 at Tindley Temple United Methodist Church, 750 South Broad St. from 9 to 11 a.m. The service will begin at 11.

Neil C. Cox was an attorney who practiced in Miami Dade County, Fla.

Cox died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013. He was 41.

He was born Aug. 30, 1971 to Yolanda Cox-Fraiser and Joseph Crozador in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Kelson Fraiser, in Yeadon.

He attended William Penn High School in Yeadon and obtained his bachelor’s degree from Temple University. While at Temple, he was a spring 1991 initiate of the Lambda Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

After graduating from Temple, he was awarded a scholarship to the University of Miami Law School, where he subsequently received a dual MBA and juris doctorate. He served as president of the Society of Bar and Gavel Society.

Cox practiced law in Miami Dade County for most of his career.  He was a partner at Dienstag, Blanco & Cox, LLC and Dienstag Cox & Associates, PA and subsequently operated the Cox Firm. 

He was an active member the Richmond-Perrine Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. He oversaw the revitalization of the University of Miami's Iota Chi Chapter as its adviser and established the Omicron Chi Chapter at Florida International University in 2005.

His family said Cox found happiness in simple things like hanging out at Barnes and Noble, reading a book or spending an entire Saturday at the AMC theater movie-hopping.

“He will be remembered for his intelligence, his kindness, his broad smile, his infectious laughter, his commitment to helping others, his dedication to fraternity and his devoted friendship,” his family said.

In addition to his mother, father and stepfather; Cox is survived by his grandmother, Virginia Cox-Crichlow; brother, Christopher Cox; aunts: Joanne Teijmul and Lorna Taylor, uncle, Carlyle Cox and other relatives and friends.

Services will be held Jan. 19 at Holy Apostles and The Mediator Church, 5101 Spruce Str. Viewing is at 9 a.m. Services will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery.

Arrangements were handled by Slater Funeral Home.

Dr. Melvin Langston Jackson was a noted physician who conducted his own practice for the last 29 years.

Jackson died Sept. 11 at Hahnemann University Hospital. He was 77.

He was the only child born to the late Langston Jackson and the late Doetha Gilliam Jackson Young on Feb. 22, 1935 in Baltimore. At an early age, he relocated to Skippers, Va., to live with his aunt. He was baptized at Diamond Grove Baptist Church. He attended school in Greensville County, Va., from first to 11th grades. He returned to Baltimore, where he graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1954.

He graduated from Morgan State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1958. He was a member of the MSU marching band, where he played the trombone.

He was employed as a research assistant at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore before and after being drafted in the United States Army. While in the army, he served as a research assistant in medical research and was honorably discharged in 1961.

He relocated to Philadelphia in 1963 and worked at the U.S. Naval Air Development Center. Jackson was the first African American employed as a biochemist at the U.S. Naval Air Development Center in Warminster.

Jackson became a member of Zion Baptist Church shortly after arriving in Philadelphia. In 1965, he married Jacquelyn Bernice Martin at Wayland Baptist Church in Baltimore. They were blessed with twins in 1974.

Jackson was initiated into the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Philadelphia Alumni Chapter in 1968. He was a member of Philadelphia and Baltimore alumni chapters. He had a special relationship with the Alpha Iota Chapter at Morgan State University. He was affectionately known as “Dr. Kappa.” One of his proudest moments was when his son, Melvin, II was initiated into the Alpha Iota Chapter. He will be most remembered for his love of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and his rendition of “Invictus.”

In 1976, he graduated from Hahnemann Medical University with the doctor of medicine degree. Jackson completed his residency in internal medicine at the Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore, Md. in 1979. In addition, he was the first African American resident in internal medicine at Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore, Md.

Jackson started his own medical practice in 1983 after an externship with his fraternity brother, the late Dr. Leonard Johnson. Jackson practiced medicine in his Germantown office until his death. He was on the staff at Temple University Hospital and Hahnemann University Medical Hospital. He was one of the few physicians to make house calls. He spearheaded many health fairs and seminars in the Philadelphia community.

“Dr. Jackson was an exceptional physician, highly regarded as a friend and confidant, whose always been there when needed,” his family said.

Jackson had received numerous awards and citations for his outstanding contributions to the community. Such recognitions include the Special Achievement Award for publication of a technical article titled, “Variation in Brain Nucleotides as an Experimental Probe for Cerebral Control Factors in Anoxic-Fatigue Stress,” Philadelphia Alumni Chapter—Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Chapter Award, Past Polemarch’s Award, Northeastern Province—Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Alumnus of the Year and Distinguished Service Awards, Grand Chapter—Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Elder Watson Diggs Award in 1999, Morgan State University—Philadelphia Chapter Achievement Award, Morgan State University—National Alumni Association--Special Achievement and Alumnus of the Year Awards, NAFEO Award, Spruce ACE Service Award and Distinguished Service Award and many letters of commendation.

He was a member of various organizations including the Morgan State University National Alumni Association, the NAACP, West Mt. Airy Neighbors, Upper Wissahickon Civic Association, the Philadelphia Epicureans and the Philadelphia Chums.

Jackson also served as past president and corresponding secretary of Chi Delta Mu Fraternity; chairman of the deacon board at Zion Baptist Church, board member of Zion Day Care Center and medical consultant to the Nurses’ Unit at Zion Baptist Church. He was a member of the health committee for the Northeastern Province and Grand Chapter since 1999.

In addition to his wife of 47 years, Jackson is survived by his children, Melvin Langston Jackson, II of Tampa, Fl. and Dr. Melanie Lynn Jackson of Bowie, Md.; one grandchild, Sasha Alexandria Wells; mother-in-law, Bernice Martin of Baltimore, Md.; three sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law; a devoted and loyal employee, Maxine Johnson and other relatives and friends.

Services will be held September 15 at Zion Baptist Church, 3600 N. Broad St. Viewing will be held at 8 a.m. The Kappa service will be held at 10 a.m. Services will follow at 11 a.m.

The death of KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Karin Phillips has left a significant void.

Phillips died Tuesday following a brief illness. She was 53 and resided in Mt. Laurel, N.J.

Phillips was known for highlighting community organizations, programs and events that occurred throughout the Philadelphia region.

KYW Reporter Mike DeNardo says their newsroom is still in a state of shock.

“There is a huge void in this newsroom because Karin is not here,” said DeNardo, who worked with her for almost 30 years.

DeNardo would routinely “push Karin’s buttons,” which led to her loud and infectious laugh being heard in the newsroom.

“I knew that if I wanted to get a rise out of her, all I would have to do is make a seemingly politically incorrect comment or play a news sound clip that I knew would set her off,” DeNardo recollected.

“An outsider may think that I was trying to offend her but I was pushing her buttons simply to get a rise out of her, to make her laugh and blow off some steam. That happened every day in our newsroom. It’s quiet now. It’s silent and there’s a void that I don’t know that we’ll ever be able to fill.”

Phillips had been a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists.

PABJ officials issued a statement on behalf of the organization.

“The Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of KYW Newsradio Community Affairs Reporter Karin Phillips, following a brief illness,” said PABJ.

“Karin’s voice was particularly important to the African-American community because she was one of the few voices of color in Philadelphia mainstream radio news. She covered the Philadelphia community with passion. Karin gave a voice to members of the community that would have not had the opportunity to be heard on the airwaves. There is no doubt that Karin’s distinctive presence will be missed.”

Phillips joined the KYW Newsradio team in 1979 as a production assistant. She held many positions throughout the years, including reporter, writer and daytime editor.

Prior to coming to KYW Newsradio, Phillips worked as a reporter for the Burlington County Times. She also served as an anchor and producer for Express Traffic Services.

In addition to working at KYW Newsradio, Phillips was an adjunct professor teaching broadcast journalism at Rutgers University, where she graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish and a minor in journalism. In 1998, she obtained her master’s degree from Rutgers.

During her undergraduate studies, she was a reporter and editor of the campus newspaper and president of the Spanish Club. She was named Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and was honored as one of the 50 finest graduates of Rutgers University-Camden.

She was also a member of the Philadelphia Flying Dragon Boat team, which raises money for the fight against breast cancer. As a member of the team, she helped pack surplus food for distribution to organizations feeding the hungry and prepared meals at the Ronald McDonald House, which provides living quarters for families of children undergoing hospital treatment.

Phillips, who was a Philadelphia native, resided in South Jersey at the time of her death. She was a member of the Christian Bell Choir of Burlington County, which performs in neighborhood churches, senior centers, nursing homes, and for inmates at county prisons and jails.

In 2009, Phillips received the Human Rights Award for Arts and Culture from the Philadelphia Commission on Human Rights. In 2004, she received the Outstanding Community Service award from the Philadelphia Council of Clergy, the largest multicultural religious clergy organization in Philadelphia.

She is survived by her mother, Rose, and a brother.

The funeral will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday Sept. 20, 2011 after a 10 a.m. viewing at Christ Baptist Church, 950 Jacksonville Rd. in Burlington, N.J.

Joanne Barbara Hawkins was well respected by her colleagues and was a member of the Pennsylvania Keystone Funeral Directors Association.

She was president of the Quaker City Funeral Directors Association for three consecutive terms even though the bylaws only allowed two terms.

For 35 years, she helped untold families as she guided them through the process of “letting go” of loved ones. She always provided service with style, grace, smile and a hug. Even though it may have been one of several funerals she was handling, she knew that for each family, it was their only funeral service, and there was only one opportunity to do it right.

Hawkins had a commanding style, a sense of humor, a flair for dress and a love of people.

Hawkins died on January 20. She was 60.

“She was more like my sister than my cousin,” said relative Bruce Hawkins. “We were very close all throughout our lives.”

Hawkins was born on May 16, 1951, in Philadelphia. She was the second of two children born to James L. and Sara Wilson Hawkins. She was a graduate of Philadelphia High School For Girls, class of 1968, and went onto George Washington University where she graduated magna cum laude in 1972.

She then attended American Academy, McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science and after completion, affiliated with her father’s business, the James L. Hawkins Funeral Home in South Philadelphia.

Hawkins was a dedicated member and officer of Frontiers International, Philadelphia Frontiers and founder of the Carteret County Frontiers in North Carolina. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she was a board member of Lincoln Day Nursery. Hawkins believed in service to family, community, business and the arts. She participated fully in what went on around her wherever she was.

In 2005, Hawkins retired to Morehead City, North Carolina, and enjoyed living in a beach town. She would often call friends and family in the middle of the winter to report how warm it was in her town.

Hawkins was also a loving and dedicated caregiver to her husband. She was also a well-loved Walmart associate for five years. On the day of her viewing in Morehead City, the Walmart store closed so that all of the employees could pay their respects and say their good-byes to their friend and colleague.

Hawkins leaves to mourn: husband, Rev. Larry Harris; children, Ernest and Sharilyn Harris; grandchildren, Quadel, Ezekiel, Lydia and Alexis Harris, and Robert McGrier II and Bryce; mother-in-law, Barbara Jane Harris; sister, Sara H. Bachman; sisters-in-law, Leslie Fletcher and Stacie Turks; two nieces, Jennifer Puda and Suzette Rose; four nephews, Robin and Ibrahim Fletcher, and James and Daniel Bachman.

She was preceded in death by her son Kevin Harris.

Services will be held January 30, at Gospel Temple Baptist Church, 1327 South 19th Street. The viewing will be from noon to 7 p.m. The service will start at 7 p.m. Bruce R. Hawkins Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Philadelphia has lost has a tremendous basketball player and a great person. Linda Page, a former Dobbins Tech basketball star, has passed away. Page was 48 years old.

Page was certainly a special player. She could score from anywhere on the court. In 1981, she received national attention for scoring 100 points in Public League game. That contest, a 131-37 win against Mastbaum, broke Wilt Chamberlain’s scoring mark of 90 points, set when he played at Overbrook High School in 1955.

That was her senior year. She led Dobbins Tech to the Public League championship game that year. Despite her scoring prowess, West Philadelphia High defeated Dobbins Tech to win the league title. Jadeane Daye, an All Public League point guard, played for the Speedgirls along with stars Audrey (Lee) Bowles and Linda Hester. Daye is still trying to get over the death of Page, who was a close friend as well as a competitor.

“It still hasn’t sunk in,” Daye said. “We were close. We played together in the Sonny Hill League. We played on the Philadelphia Belles together. I remember before the championship game, we spent the whole day and evening together. Then, we came out and played the championship game. After the game, we got together. We were good friends.

“She was the best shooter. I remember she was shooting against Doug Collins (Philadelphia 76ers head coach) when he played (for the Sixers). I don’t think he realized how good a shooter she was. He had to shoot some deep shots in order to beat her in the game.”

Bowles hadn’t spoken to Page in more than two decades. A year ago, Page wrote a book titled “Love, Pain & Passion: The Heart of a Champion.” Bowles remembers attending her book signing.

“It was 23 years since I actually seen her,” Bowles said. “She had a book signing at Harlem Restaurant in Yeadon. I remember going there. Before that, we had played on a team together in 1987. It was after our college careers. We had a team with players mostly from our West Philly team that played in the Sonny Hill League. We had Linda, Jadeane, Vincene Morris, Michelle Washington, Debbie Lytle, Theresa Govens and Freda Gibbs. That was the last time I was actually with her.

“It was good reconnecting with her. We talked about the things she accomplished. I think what’s important is that Linda knew the Lord. You know, we were all part of a good era of women’s basketball in the Public League. I know I had a good foundation with my mother (Lois Lee), my high school basketball coach Bernie Ivens, softball coach Paulette Bolton and Eleanore Johnson (volleyball coach).

“We all went to college. Linda went to North Carolina State. Jadeane went to Syracuse. Linda Hester went to La Salle. I went to Temple. We all had good people around us who provided a good foundation. We’ll never forget that.”

Marilyn Stephens, former Simon Gratz and Temple basketball standout, is the head women’s basketball coach at Cheyney University. Stephens attended Page’s book signing. She wanted her players to know about her legacy.

“Right now, one of my players is reading her book,” Stephens said. “Linda signed her book to Cheyney women’s basketball. I was devastated when I heard the news that she had passed. She was a great player.”

They called her “Hawkeye,” and she could really put the ball in the basket. Page was raised in Southwest Philly. She scored 2,383 points in her scholastic career.

She was a big time player for North Carolina State. She was one of four women to score more than 2,000 points for the Wolfpack. She scored 2,307 points, ranking second all-time at the school. She was named first-team All Atlantic Coast Conference twice. She was chosen three times on the ACC all-tournament team. In 1983, she was named MVP of the ACC tournament. In 1985, Page averaged 21.1 points and 7.6 rebounds a game while leading NC State to the ACC championship.

“She was the best player in Philadelphia,” said Hester, who had a magnificent college basketball career at La Salle. “Her skill level was phenomenal. She wanted to be the best and she accomplished that. Excellence was always her standard. It all started in high school.”

Dawn Staley, head women’s basketball coach at the University of South Carolina, played at Dobbins Tech after Page. Like Page, Staley was a high school All-American. She also played her college basketball in the ACC at the University of Virginia. In addition, she had a great career in the WNBA.

“I think Linda Page put Dobbins on the map,” Staley said. “I didn’t meet her until afterwards. She was very articulate. She loved basketball. She paved the way for a lot of players. She’ll be missed by the Philadelphia community.”

Page played for two legendary coaches, Dr. Tony Coma (Dobbins Tech) and Kay Yow (North Carolina State) during her career. Lurline Jones, former University City head coach and Alison Eachus, ex-William Penn High head coach, will always remember Page for her contributions to the game.

“I was shocked and saddened with the news of Linda’s passing,” Jones said. “Ever since her book was published, I had the pleasure of planning a book signing and reception at Dobbins her. In early August we discussed her appearance at the SRC and City Council. It was on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 4^th, at a meeting with Councilwoman (Jannie) Blackwell that she would get the ball rolling for such an appearance. She will be missed. I am thankful that I was able to spend some quality time with her as she told her story. I hope that the family and those of us in the basketball arena will keep her legacy alive.”

“Linda Page played basketball for our AAU team, the Philadelphia Belles,” Eachus said. “I also coached against her while she was at Dobbins and I was at William Penn. I have hundreds of Linda Page stories, each a fond memory of a special character. Philly has lost another legend; the basketball community has lost a great player and those who knew her lost a friend. She will be missed by many.”

Page graduated from North Carolina State with a degree in criminal justice. She was a retired juvenile probation officer. She had the Linda Page Shooting Clinic. Page also played professional basketball in Sweden and Spain.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalized.

Contact staff writer Donald Hunt at (215) 893-5719 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .