A. S. "Doc" Young
Andrew Spurgeon "Doc" Young (October 29, 1919 – September 6, 1996) was an American sports journalist and author. He was also one of the first African American publicists working in Hollywood.[2] Throughout his career he received numerous honors from the National Newspaper Publishers Association.[3]
A. S. "Doc" Young | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 29, 1919[1] |
| Died | September 6, 1996 (aged 76)[1] |
| Education | Hampton Institute |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, writer |
| Notable credit(s) | Chicago Defender Ebony Magazine Los Angeles Sentinel |
| Spouse | Hazel M. Young |
| Children | Norman Gregory Young, PhD; Brenda L. Young, Esq. |
| Relatives | Ruth Y. Wilson, sister |
Background
Andrew Spurgeon Young was born in Dunbrooke, Virginia, the eldest child of Andrew P. Young and Gertrude Norman. In 1941, he graduated from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) with a bachelor's degree in business administration. While a student at Hampton, he served as editor of the school newspaper.[3]
Career
As a young man, he was influenced by the work of Frank A. (Fay) Young (no relation), the first African American to have a weekly sports column.[4]
In the 1950s, he served in several top editorial positions at Jet Magazine and Ebony Magazine. He also worked in editorial positions at the Los Angeles Sentinel and the Chicago Defender.[3]
Young also has the distinction of being the first black publicist in Hollywood. He worked as a unit publicist on the films The Defiant Ones and Kings Go Forth.[2]
Additionally, Young is the author of several books, including Negro Firsts in Sports (Johnson Publishing Company, 1963).[3]
References
- "Social Security Death Index [database on-line]". United States: The Generations Network. Archived from the original on October 7, 2010. Retrieved October 8, 2010.
- Reynolds, J. R. (February 18, 1995). "The rhythm and the blues: Boyz II Men are top soul train nominees; BET special spotlights pioneer publicist". Billboard. New York City: BPI Communications: 20.
- Flanagan, Sylvia P., ed. (September 30, 1996). "A.S. 'Doc' Young, Noted Journalist-Author, Dies". Jet. Chicago, Illinois: Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. 90 (20): 60.
- Young, A.S. (Doc) (October 1970). Johnson, John H. (ed.). "The black sportswriter:The Black athlete in the golden age of sports-part IX". Ebony. Chicago, Illinois: Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. 25 (12): 56–58, 60–62, 64.