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Honoring and congratulating Irv Randolph for his retirement after 31 years of distinguished service to The Philadelphia Tribune and for his lasting contributions to journalism and the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Tribune was founded in 1884 and is the oldest continuously published African American newspaper in the United States, serving as a trusted and vital voice for Black communities in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Irving “Irv” Randolph was raised in North Philadelphia and graduated from Franklin Learning Center, where he founded the high school’s newspaper, laying the foundation for his lifelong dedication to reporting; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Randolph pursued his passion for journalism at Penn State before transferring to Temple University, where he earned his journalism degree and helped found the student magazine Frontline; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1990s, Mr. Randolph joined The Philadelphia Tribune as Managing Editor, bringing a clear editorial mission to champion truth, accountability, and the amplification of Black voices - a mission he upheld with integrity for over three decades; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Mr. Randolph navigated the evolving media landscape with vision, embracing digital-first strategies while strengthening the newspaper’s print and online journalism, ensuring its stories reached and empowered a growing and diverse audience; and
WHEREAS, Under his leadership, The Philadelphia Tribune continued to spotlight the real lives and accomplishments of everyday people in the Black community, challenge negative portrayals, and hold those in power accountable; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Randolph has acted as a mentor and builder of future generations of journalists, guiding countless young professionals who have gone on to distinguished careers at major national outlets; and
WHEREAS, Among the remarkable moments in his career, Mr. Randolph reported on transformative global events, including traveling to South Africa during Nelson Mandela’s transition from incarceration and conducting an extended interview with then-Senator Barack Obama; and
WHEREAS, After 31 years of exemplary service, Mr. Randolph will retire from his role as Managing Editor of The Philadelphia Tribune, effective January 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and commitment to community journalism; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby congratulates Irv Randolph on his retirement and honors his outstanding contributions to journalism, to The Philadelphia Tribune, and to the Philadelphia community.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be presented to Mr. Irving “Irv” Randolph as a symbol of the City Council’s deepest gratitude and appreciation for his exemplary leadership, steadfast mentorship, and lifelong dedication to amplifying voices that matter and strengthening community journalism.
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