Rodney Sumler, AC Phoenix newspaper publisher, dies
Rodney Sumler, the founder and publisher of the AC Phoenix Newspaper, died on Saturday, March 7, in his home. He was 74. Sumler was known as a civil rights pioneer, having served alongside Jesse Jackson while a student at N.C. A&T University, and continued throughout his lifetime, a news release said. He also was an educator.
In 1983, he started the AC Phoenix, which he published until his death.
He will be among those honored at The Chronicle’s 30th Annual Community Service Awards Gala on Saturday, March 21.
WCP Communications released the following statement:
“We have lost a giant among giants. Rodney Sumler was a true gentleman with a good business sense, strong family ties and unshakable faith. We will miss his wisdom, wit, and wonderful sense of humor. God has welcomed a devoted worker and true saint into heaven’s doors.”
