Mayor Vincent C. Gray Mourns Passing of Pulitzer Prize-Winning Washington Post Columnist William Raspberry

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray released the following statement today on the death of William Raspberry, the Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist for the Washington Post:

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of William Raspberry. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Sondra Raspberry, and numerous other family members who call the District home.

“Bill Raspberry shared significant commentary that highlighted social issues affecting us all. He was one of the most widely read black journalists of our time. And he paved the way for and mentored numerous African-American journalists that followed him.

“Raspberry’s carefully constructed, moderate opinion pieces added texture to the urban realities of street violence, drug abuse, criminal justice, poverty, parenting, education and civil rights. The District of Columbia and the nation have lost a prolific writer and well-respected Washingtonian.”