NNPA Second Vice Chairman Bernal E. Smith II Dies

Bernal E. SMith II
Bernal E. SMith II

NNPA Second Vice Chairman Bernal E.

Smith II Dies

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is mourning the death of NNPA Second Vice Chairman Bernal E. Smith II, who died on Sunday, October 22.

He was 45. Smith was publisher of the New Tri-State Defender in Memphis, TN. Smith had previously served as a member of the NNPA Board of Directors.

In a released statement, Dorothy R. Leavell, chairman of

the NNPA said, “I am personally saddened by Bernal’s death.

We were optimistic about the many contributions he would

make to the Fourth Estate. He was young, energetic, and full

of great ideas. We were looking forward to implementing some

of those concepts through NNPA as we worked to strengthen and advance the Black Press. It’s a great loss to our institution and we will sorely miss him. We send our deepest condolences to his family, Tri-State Defender staff, Black Media Properties, as well as the entire city of Memphis.”

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