By Jaime C. Harris
Howie Evans, the legendary longtime sports editor for the New York Amsterdam News, passed away on Thursday at the age of 91. For nearly 50 years, Howie’s coverage of sports intersected with his fight for racial and social justice. He was a pioneering journalist who staunchly advocated for the increase in the hiring of Black and women journalist at major publications, as well as credentialed access for Black publications and journalists by major sports leagues and events. Among his vast list of accomplishments, Howie was the first Black journalist to be a member of an NFL franchise’s traveling press corps as a broadcaster for the New York Jets.