It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Terry Taylor, a pioneering Associated Press sports editor who passed away at the age of 71.
Taylor was a trailblazer in the sports journalism industry, becoming the first African-American to hold the position of sports editor at the Associated Press in 1988. He was also the first African-American to be elected as president of the Associated Press Sports Editors in 1997.
Taylor was born in 1948 in Birmingham, Alabama, and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1969. He began his career with the Associated Press in 1972, and during his tenure, he was responsible for overseeing the AP’s coverage of major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, World Series, and NCAA Final Four.
Throughout his career, Taylor was a champion for diversity in sports journalism and was a mentor to many aspiring journalists. He was also an advocate for equal access to sports for all people.
Taylor’s legacy will live on through his work and his commitment to making sports journalism more inclusive. He will be remembered as a leader and an inspiration to many. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
