Remembering The Life And Legacy Of Phila. Journalist Acel Moore
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Hundreds packed into Grace Baptist Church in Germantown Monday to celebrate the life of a Philadelphia giant.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Acel Moore, Sr. was one of the first African American reporters at the Philadelphia Inquirer and one of the first Black Journalists to win a Pulitzer Prize for investigative journalism. He is one of the founders of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and a founding member of the National Association of Black Journalists. He was also a steadfast advocate for diversity in newsrooms and a mentor to countless young journalists.
"Moore was that rod and that staff to so many young journalists," says Sarah Glover, NABJ president. She called Moore a "second father" and shared his legendary story of being called "boy" while working the Inquirer copy desk. She spoke about how he stood up for himself, but as a gentleman, by simply asking to be called by his name or by the word "copy," a lesson she will remember.
"To know when you see something that's not right, how you need to speak up about it and have gentleness in your heart, not viciousness in your heart even though it may be hurtful," she said during the tribute portion of the service.
Moore was a father and husband and is survived by his children Acel, Jr. and Mariah and wife, Linda, as well as countless relatives, friends and mentees NABJ will honor his legacy with the NABJ Acel Moore Scholarship Fund. Details are at nabj.org.
