Marjorie Parham and her family at her 100th birthday party on Feb.12, 2018. Photo provided
By Herald Staff
Mrs. Marjorie Parham, Publisher Emerita of The Cincinnati Herald and widow of founder Gerald Porter, passed peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, April 14. She was 103. The family will announce services in the next few days. “She was feisty, a brilliant businesswoman, and a mentor for me and so many others,” said Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, president of Sesh Communications. “Mrs. Parham was a staunch advocate for the Black community and believed in the importance of the Black press to provide a forum for the community’s diverse views and as a platform to tell our own story.”
Publisher Walter L. White admired her tenacity. “After Mr. Porter died in 1963, Mrs. Parham jumped in to run the paper with the help of her son, Bill Spillers. She hit the streets getting advertising and never let a ‘no’ discourage her,” White said.
“She was one of a kind,” said co-owner Eric H. Kearney. “She was tough as nails, and never afraid to speak her mind. At the same time, she was compassionate and had a dry wit that always made me laugh. I shall always have the utmost respect for her integrity, business acumen, and passion.”
“We will miss her terribly,” said Jan-Michele. “We often sought her advice and always wanted to make her proud of the legacy she provided for Cincinnati’s Black community.”
