New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today issued the following statement concerning the passing of Wilbert “Bill” Tatum:

I am saddened to learn of the death of Bill Tatum. Bill was a pioneer in publishing. He always stood up for the causes he believed in, spoke out against injustice, and highlighted issues too often forgotten and ignored. In fact, Bill always let you know when he disagreed with you with a genuine forthrightness.

Throughout his quarter-century tenure at the Amsterdam News, Bill helped broaden the paper’s editorial perspective while remaining true to its mission. He was one of those rare people in journalism who not only reported the news, but also was a force in shaping policy and bettering his community.

I extend my sincerest condolences to Bill’s wife, Susan, his daughter, Elinor, and the rest of the Tatum family. I will mourn the loss of Bill along with many other New Yorkers.

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