George W. Collins, a pioneering Baltimore journalist who worked in print, television and radio, passed away July 31. He was 88.
Collins began his career at The Afro as a reporter and worked his way up to editor-in-chief. While he was with The Afro, Collins along with a couple of colleagues dressed as African diplomats in 1961 to show how foreigners were treated better than Black Americans.
BABJ member and Maryland Public Television Reporter Charles Robinson recalled that story on Maryland Morning on WYPR (88.1 FM.) Robinson succeeded Collins as host of the public affairs program At Issue on WEAA (88.9FM.) The program was started by Collins in 1986.
Collins would transition from print to television with WMAR-TV (Channel 2) in 1968. He served the then-CBS/NBC affiliate in various capacities including anchor, reporter and associate editor during with 20 years with the station.
Funeral services for Collins will be held Thursday 11 a.m. at New Shiloh Baptist Church, 2100 N. Monroe Street, Baltimore.
Here are links to reports and tributes to Collins by The Afro, The Sun and Channel 2.