William Raspberry, Pulitzer Prize Winner, Dies at 76

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, July 19, 2012

Ex-columnist and Pulitzer Prize-winner William Raspberry has died Tuesday at the age of 76.

The legendary writer passed away at this home in Washington after suffering from prostate cancer, his wife Sondra told the Washington Post.

Raspberry worked for the Washington Post for 39 years before retiring in 2005. He was one of the first African American journalists to become widely syndicated, and his column was carried by over 200 newspapers.

Named a pioneer and a role model, Raspberry not only broke through stereotypes of what a "black commentator" was, but openly expressed his views on the support of gay marriage, the importance of parenting, and a passion for justice. He was noted to be a staunch advocate of civil rights, and also opposed the war in Iraq.

In 1994 the columnist won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary, and the same year won the lifetime achievement award from the National Association of Black Journalists.

As of 2008, Raspberry was the president of Baby Steps, a parent-training and empowerment program based in his native Okolona, Mississippi. He also taught journalism at Duke University for more than a decade.

On Twitter, users are celebrating Raspberry's achievement and mourning his death.

"Bill Raspberry, a pioneer who aided generations, he will be missed," wrote Bill Gleason.

Betsy wrote, "RIP William Raspberry. He was on MTP many times… talking about society's responsibility to kids."

Liza called Raspberry a "listener with a gift," while Creigh described the columnist as a "man of the subtle sermon."

In a tribute to Raspberry published in the Washington Post, D.A. Lovell explained her grief losing the leader she long respected.

"When greats like William Raspberry die it feels almost as if no one can fill the void that is left," wrote the attorney and writing contributor.

"There will never be another William Raspberry," Lovell continues. "But the beauty is that his mentorship leaves the treasures of his mind behind our generation as it continues onward."

Raspberry leaves behind his wife, his 106-year-old mother, two daughters, one son, one foster son, and one brother and one sister.