 |
 |
 |
|
Oakland Journalist Gunned Down - Police Say Chauncey Bailey Was Singled Out
By: C. Dianne Howell
Special to the NNPA from the Oakland Post
Originally posted 8/2/2007
Chauncey Bailey, 57, editor-in-chief of all five editions of the Post Newspaper and long time reporter covering the African American and other communities was gunned down in the street by an unknown assailant at 7:30 a.m. Thursday morning, August 2, 2007. Apparently on his way to work, Bailey was shot at the corner of 14th and Alice streets in downtown Oakland.
Roland Holmgren, Oakland police spokesman said witnesses
told police that a single gunman, wearing a mask, shot Bailey several times and fled. He acknowledged that police currently knew of no motive for the killing but it did not
appear to be random. Holmgren further noted that investigators would be looking into all possible connections with Bailey's work to help find the killer.
Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $25,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
Chauncey Bailey grew up in east Oakland and was a member
of St. Benedict’s Church. He was one of 5 children, three
of whom survive him. He had one son who lives in Southern
California.
For over 20 years Bailey covered the African American community for the Oakland Tribune. Prior to writing for the Tribune, he wrote for the Detroit News, UPI, and the Hartford Courant. After leaving the Tribune he continued
to distinguish himself as a reporter on issues of concern to
all communities.
He was a popular reporter for KDIA radio and Soul Beat TV, and wrote for various other publications including the Sun Reporter and the Globe. Most recently he was one of the producers, co-founders and hosts for OUR-TV (Comcast Channel 78).
In June, 2007 he was promoted to become the Editor-in-Chief of the Post Newspapers – Oakland, Berkeley Tri-City, Richmond, San Francisco and South County.
''Chauncey and I were scheduled to meet this morning to organize the launch of our ‘Good-News’ publication, but his life was cut short. Now, the bad news is that the ‘GoodNews’ is put on hold.” said Paul Cobb, Publisher of the Post Newsgroup.
“He was so proud of his new position [as editor of the Post] and was embarrassed and humbled by the respect and accolades the community gave him. Let’s continue his legacy by being unafraid to print the truth -- stories which need to be told.”
Bailey was recently honored as one of 101+ Outstanding Men in Our Community honored at the Black Expo Gala. “We are
deeply saddened by this tragic loss of such a treasure in our community. Chauncey Bailey was chosen to be honored because he has distinguished himself so highly as an advocate for and reporter on issues of concern to underserved and underreported communities.
We join with so many throughout the country in our grief and our sense that our community has lost a great individual,” said Dr. C. Diane Howell, producer of Black Expo and publisher of the Black Business Listings.
COMMENTS...
The Hon. Ronald V. Dellums, Mayor, City of Oakland:
“Chauncey will be missed. He was at every media event and he
always asked the first question. His questions were thoughtful and you knew that he sought to truly inform the public.”
The Hon. Barbara Lee, Congresswoman (D-Oakland):
”Chauncey contributed so much to the fabric of our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends....It is my hope that the perpetrators of this horrible crime are brought to justice swiftly, and that Chauncey’s untimely death will bring our community together and strengthen our collective hand in rooting out this type of violence.''
State Assemblyman Sandre Swanson:
“I’m shocked and saddened at the senseless act that took the life of this dedicated father and sensitive human being....My heartfelt condolences go out to the family
of Mr. Bailey and I share the tremendous loss that the community feels for his outstanding journalism and
committed civic leadership.”
Father Jay Mathews, Pastor of St. Benedict’s Church:
“Chauncey always wanted to be considered as serious journalist and would go to great lengths to follow his leads
– even to places like Iran. How tragic it is that he becomes a victim in his own beloved community. We must ban together
as a community, to proclaim ‘enough is enough!!’ and be serious about it.”
Martin Reynolds, Managing Editor, Oakland Tribune:
“Chauncey’s coverage at the Oakland Tribune focused on
the Black community and was essential to the paper...his was
a voice and perspective we have not had since he left...his
Tribune family sends condolences...his journalistic contributions will be sorely missed.''
Leonard Stephens, CEO/President, OUR TV, Comcast Channel 78:
“To me, Chauncey Bailey was a driving force, a cofounder
of OUR TV, Comcast Channel 78, and my advisor. Chauncey was a soundboard for the community using TV and newspapers as a platform to be able to report important news the community needed to hear.''
Bob Butler, President of the Bay Area Black Journalists Association (BABJA):
“BABJA offers its condolences to Bailey’s family, friends and colleagues. African Americans have lost a champion and the world has lost an outstanding journalist.”
David Glover, Executive Director, OCCUR and friend of
Bailey’s since the 80s:
“I have no idea why anyone would do this. Chauncey Bailey was a consummate professional....It’s just shocking and unbelievable.”
Jeff Douvel, colleague of Bailey’s for over 15 years:
“Chauncey has always been proud to represent the Black
press and always would strive to show the Black community
as well as the general media the professional skills of Black reporters. As an activist for many grass root causes you were very fortunate if Chauncey took on your cause.''
|
|
|
|
