Godspeed to Sam Logan, longtime publisher of the Michigan Chronicle

By Tom Watkins - Tell Us USA News Network

DETROIT (Tell Us USA) - The city of Detroit, the state of Michigan and America itself lost a man who stood tall for all things right and just with the passing of Sam Logan, the longtime publisher of Michigan’s largest weekly black newspaper, the Michigan Chronicle.

Logan was a fierce fighter for what is good and right. His vision, spirit and integrity transcended geography, politics, gender or race.

Logan was an accomplished journalist and business leader who nurtured the young and gave hell to politicians and business leaders who deserved it.

Originally from Louisiana, Logan was a graduate of the Detroit Public Schools’ High School of Commerce, a paratrooper in the Army and attended the University of Detroit’s College of Business Administration. He held executive positions at SLC Advertising and radio stations WCHB-AM (1200)/WCHD-FM (105.9) before joining the Michigan Chronicle as an assistant advertising manager. He was publisher when his death was announced Wednesday.

Logan was able to bring our diverse community together to help shape a shared vision and common agenda for the public good.

Observing Sam navigate sensitive political, educational and social issues, it’s not difficult to imagine him as a young Army paratrooper boldly leaping out of planes to protect our freedom and liberty.

You could say Logan, 78, was just as bold throughout his career as in his military days, running the largest black newspaper in the state.

Logan, never one to shy from strong stances, caused a national sensation years ago with the Chronicle’s endorsement of Republican John Engler for governor over Democrat Howard Wolpe.

The Chronicle, under Logan’s leadership, garnered tough reaction, too, when it endorsed Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, a Republican, over Democratic challenger Brenda Lawrence, mayor of Southfield.

Leaders across the state and political spectrum remembered this giant of a man. Everyone loved Sam.

Gov. Rick Snyder, who had developed a close relationship with the courageous publisher, remembered him this way: “Sam Logan was a pioneer in Michigan journalism and a courageous advocate for Michigan’s African-American community. His leadership in Detroit and Michigan transcended politics and race. As a proud newspaperman, he was passionate about the public’s right to know. Sam dedicated his life to providing his readers with solid, reliable information so they could make decisions that strengthened their cities. He was fearless when it came to taking a stand, and he did so out of a genuine love of Detroit and our state. Like so many others who were privileged to know Sam, I am deeply saddened by his passing. His lifelong commitment to serving his country and his community, as well as his spirit of entrepreneurship and business acumen, will remain an inspiration to future generations.”

Cindy Pasky, CEO of Strategic Staffing Solutions, a worldwide business with headquarters in Detroit and a longtime friend of Logan, said, “Sam had a vibrant hopefulness and calm wisdom (probably from a life of struggling for important causes and knowing a lot of wins and losses) … and authenticity.”

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, who knew Logan well, said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Logan. He worked tirelessly for his craft and was a man of ex-treme integrity. He has been a trailblazer in his field and an accomplished journalist whose legacy will live on for our community to learn from and be inspired by.”

Patterson said: “Sam Logan was a good friend who I respected immensely. Detroit and the region have lost a strong voice and a committed advocate. In 2011, we lost Eleanor Josaitis, the Focus: HOPE founder; Arthur Johnson, the civil rights pioneer; and now Sam. We can’t spare the loss of such great leaders in our community.”

Carol Cain, senior producer and host of “Michigan Matters” on WWJ-TV (Channel 62), knew and worked with Logan for years.

“Sam Logan was the epitome of a bold, strong newspaper man,” Cain said. “Sam wasn’t afraid to take a different path to make a difference and help the community, whether taking on Detroit Public Schools under previous leadership to taking on city leaders to task for wrongdoing.”

Cain has moderated the Michigan Chronicle’s lauded “Pancakes and Politics” springtime series of speakers since it started six years ago, where governors, mayors, CEOs and others appeared to talk about public issues.

“When Sam approached me about moderating ‘Pancakes,’ which he and Hiram Jackson (of Real Times Media, parent company of the Chronicle) created to address regional issues, I asked him if he thought about the obvious,” said Cain, who is from Detroit and attended the Detroit Public Schools, of the newspaper, which is among the largest and oldest black papers in the nation.

“‘Ms. Cain, you are looking for problems when there aren’t any. I see you as the perfect host for our event,’ Logan told me. ‘I have fought my entire life to not have people judged by the color of their skin.’

“Sam walked with presidents, CEOs and the powerful, but he was just as comfortable sitting at a community event where the conversation was about helping families deal with a tough economy. Sam Logan leaves a huge void in our community.”

Edward Deeb, chairman and founder of the Michigan Food and Beverage Association and the Michigan Business and Professional Association, remembered Logan this way: “He was dedicated to peace, tranquility and harmony in the Detroit area community. We will miss his extraordinary efforts to help unite and improve our region.”

Logan’s lifelong commitment to serving Detroit, Detroiters and all the people of Michigan will remain an inspiration for many for generations to come. He was a trailblazer not only in journalism and business, but also in human decency and kindness. He was a man of grace with a keen wit and a readiness to laugh and embrace life.

His many honors included being named the Publisher of the Year three times by the National Newspaper Publishers Association, induction into his alma mater’s Hall of Honor and the Damon J. Keith Humanitarian Award.

Logan asked me to write a regular column for the Michigan Chronicle years ago, and it is an honor to be associated with the flagship newspaper he led. A quality man who gave so much has left us.

I extend my sympathies to our community, his colleagues at the Michigan Chronicle and to his family during this time of sorrow.

Sam Logan, you made a difference in Detroit, the region and the entire state of Michigan and you, your values and contributions will be truly missed.

Because of you Sam, the world is a better place.

Godspeed, Sam Logan.

The funeral service was held Friday at Greater Grace Temple, 23500 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit. Sam Logan was layed to rest at Elmwood Historic Cemetery in Detroit.

Tom Watkins, is a former state superintendent of schools and a regular contributor to these pages and The Michigan Chronicle. He can be reached at: tdwatkins88@gmail.com.