Update: Comments Pour In After Michigan Chronicle Publisher Dies At 78

DETROIT (WWJ) - Longtime Michigan Chronicle publisher Sam Logan has died. And family, friends and community leaders are remembering the legendary journalist.

Sam Logan died at his home Wednesday. He was 78. Logan spent nearly four decades at the Michigan Chronicle. He worked his way up from delivering papers and writing to becoming publisher in the mid-1980s. In a statement, Logan's children say their fatherlived a fulfilled life of service to Detroit and the nation.

Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said:

"Sam Logan was more than a Detroit icon, he was a respected pioneer in black journalism who championed the need for coverage of a community not totally served by the mainstream media. More importantly, Sam was a loyal friend who will be deeply missed by all Detroiters."

Gov. Rick Snyder called Logan "fearless," saying in a statement:

"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."

And Wayne County Executive Bob Ficano had this to say about Logan:

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sam Logan. He worked tirelessly for his craft and was a man of extreme 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."

Attorney General Bill Schuette issued a statement on the death of Sam Logan, saying: "Sam Logan's enduring passion for the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan will leave a lasting legacy."

Schuette adding, "Sam was always a gentleman, and his commitment to public service and unwavering passion for our state will not be forgotten."

WWJ's Vickie Thomas also shared her memories of Logan:

"I certainly respected Logan because he always stuck to his guns even if he knew a particular position he took would be frowned upon or controversial, he did it anyway. For instance in 1994, the paper shocked a lot of people when it endorsed former Michigan Republican governor John Engler over Howard Wolpe," Thomas said.

She adds that what she'll remember most about him is his sense of humor.

Thomas says, "When I think of him I just have to smile because he always kept me laughing. He was a very humble man, too. He did not like a whole lot of fuss over him. He did not like a whole lot of accolades but he got that anyway."

Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber praised his leadership, saying, "The Detroit Region's business community will miss Sam Logan's leadership, including as a member of the Detroit Regional Chamber's Board.  He leaves a lasting legacy of service across the community, but his most valuable contribution is his gift to bringing understanding and clarity to Detroiters of every walk of life. The Chamber sends our greatest sympathies to the Logan family and the Michigan Chronicle."
Faye Nelson, President & CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy said:
"Growing up in Detroit, the Michigan Chronicle was an important source of information and an important voice for the African American community.  I admired him for his courage to take a stand even if it was not considered to be politically correct to do so.
 
"Sam was a good friend to the Detroit Riverfront Conserancy and understood the direct connection between its continued development and the future of Detroit.  He developed new ways to get the message out to the community and was a frequent visitor to the riverfront. Many important initiatives will miss his voice and his support."

Funeral arrangements are set for 10 a.m. next Friday, Jan. 6, at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.  Meanwhile, Hiram Jackson, the CEO of Real Times Media, which owns the Michigan Chronicle, has been named publisher of the paper.