Lynch was known as “The Godfather” of Columbus’ African-American community. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation as a tireless advocate who worked to provide a voice for African Americans who were not reflected in the mainstream media.
In addition to being a journalism trailblazer, Lynch also was instrumental in founding the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Breakfast, an annual celebration in Columbus that became the largest sit-down event in the nation commemorating the legendary civil rights leader.
Lynch was born on July 5, 1925. He began his journalism career began in 1946 as a newspaper reporter with Ohio News. In 1962, he went on to become the first general manager of the Columbus Call and Post, where he served as editor-in-chief for nearly 33 years. He also frequently worked in administrative capacities with other major African-American news publications, including The Ohio State News and The Ohio Sentinel. In 1995, Lynch started his own publication, The Columbus Post, where he continued to work until his retirement.
Lynch served as a mentor to many, including Barbara Reynolds, co-founding editor of the USA Today national newspaper, and Wil Haygood, Washington Post reporter and author of numerous award-winning books as well as the article on which the blockbuster movie “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” was based.
As a testament to the contributions that Lynch made to the Columbus community, an area in front of the King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., is named the Amos H. Lynch Plaza.
As a community activist, Lynch volunteered his time to organizations such as the United Negro College Fund, I Know I Can and served on several boards and commissions that promote civil rights and equality.
Lynch was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the 1986 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. He also received an honorary doctorate degree from The Ohio State University and served as its 1985 Summer Quarter Commencement speaker.
In 2011, Lynch was inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame. In recent years, he was also honored by the King Arts Complex and the city of Columbus for his enduring contributions.
Funeral arrangements were being handled by Diehl-Whittaker Funeral and Cremation Services.
The Columbus Dispatch reports (https://bit.ly/1LYDq32) more than 200 family members, religious and community leaders and public officials attended Lynch’s funeral Saturday at the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman remembered Lynch as “more than a newspaper man” who impacted all aspects of life in the community.
Lynch had hired, mentored or aided many of those who attended the service.
In addition to being a journalism trailblazer, Lynch also was instrumental in founding the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Breakfast, an annual celebration in Columbus that became the largest sit-down event in the nation commemorating the legendary civil rights leader.
Lynch was born on July 5, 1925. He began his journalism career began in 1946 as a newspaper reporter with Ohio News. In 1962, he went on to become the first general manager of the Columbus Call and Post, where he served as editor-in-chief for nearly 33 years. He also frequently worked in administrative capacities with other major African-American news publications, including The Ohio State News and The Ohio Sentinel. In 1995, Lynch started his own publication, The Columbus Post, where he continued to work until his retirement.
Lynch served as a mentor to many, including Barbara Reynolds, co-founding editor of the USA Today national newspaper, and Wil Haygood, Washington Post reporter and author of numerous award-winning books as well as the article on which the blockbuster movie “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” was based.
As a testament to the contributions that Lynch made to the Columbus community, an area in front of the King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., is named the Amos H. Lynch Plaza.
As a community activist, Lynch volunteered his time to organizations such as the United Negro College Fund, I Know I Can and served on several boards and commissions that promote civil rights and equality.
Lynch was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the 1986 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. He also received an honorary doctorate degree from The Ohio State University and served as its 1985 Summer Quarter Commencement speaker.
In 2011, Lynch was inducted into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame. In recent years, he was also honored by the King Arts Complex and the city of Columbus for his enduring contributions.
Funeral arrangements were being handled by Diehl-Whittaker Funeral and Cremation Services.
The Columbus Dispatch reports (https://bit.ly/1LYDq32) more than 200 family members, religious and community leaders and public officials attended Lynch’s funeral Saturday at the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman remembered Lynch as “more than a newspaper man” who impacted all aspects of life in the community.
Lynch had hired, mentored or aided many of those who attended the service.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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