Claudia Whitworth, a prominent civic leader and longtime publisher of the Roanoke Tribune, passed away on October 8 at the age of 98. Whitworth dedicated more than five decades to the newspaper, which she acquired from its founder, her father, the Rev. F.E. Alexander, in 1971. Under her stewardship, the Roanoke Tribune focused on highlighting positive stories about the city’s Black community and maintained continuous publication despite significant challenges.

Born on November 8, 1927, in Fayetteville, West Virginia, Whitworth was raised in Lynchburg and Christiansburg, Virginia. She attended Bluefield State College, and her early career in journalism began with hands-on experience as a Linotype operator at the New York Age, a historic Black newspaper, before working briefly in Columbus, Ohio. She joined her father’s staff at the Roanoke Tribune in 1945 and assumed the roles of publisher and editor following his retirement.

During Whitworth’s tenure, the Roanoke Tribune overcame major obstacles, including the firebombing of its Gainsboro office in 1970 amid urban renewal efforts and the subsequent demolition of the building in 1983. Despite these setbacks, the publication never missed an edition. Reflecting on her commitment, Whitworth once countered the notion that “good news doesn’t sell,” emphasizing her intention to challenge that belief by providing uplifting coverage of the Black community.

Beyond her work with the Tribune, Whitworth was deeply engaged in community advocacy. She served on numerous boards and agencies within Roanoke and the broader Virginia region. In 1986, she launched an after-school program, and in 2007, she purchased and converted a building into a rent-free community center, providing space for local groups to host events and programming.

Throughout her life, Whitworth received several honors recognizing her contributions. She was featured in the 1985 book “Who’s Who Among Black Americans,” inducted into the Virginia Women’s Hall of Fame, and awarded the NCCJ Brotherhood/Sisterhood Citation Award. In 2004, she was named Roanoke’s Citizen of the Year. Despite these accolades, Whitworth often expressed humility, describing herself as an instrument for greater work rather than seeking personal recognition.

Claudia Whitworth’s legacy is marked by her unwavering dedication to journalism, her resilience in the face of adversity, and her lifelong commitment to serving and uplifting the Black community in Roanoke.