Elinor Tatum facts for kids

Elinor Ruth Tatum is a very important person in the world of newspapers! She is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the New York Amsterdam News. This newspaper is one of the oldest and biggest newspapers for the Black community in New York City. It's also one of the oldest newspapers for different ethnic groups in the whole country.

Her Journey in Publishing

Elinor Tatum became the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief in 1997. Her father, Wilbert Tatum, appointed her to this big role. This made her one of the youngest publishers in the history of African-American newspapers.

As the editor and publisher, Ms. Tatum leads a team of 25 full-time employees. Under her leadership, the New York Amsterdam News became more modern. They changed the newspaper's look and focused on important issues. These issues affect Harlem and the wider African-American community in New York and across the nation. Thanks to her, The Amsterdam News also went online. Now, people all over the country can read it as part of the Black Press USA Network.

Elinor Tatum also helped produce and co-host a weekly part of Al Sharpton’s radio show, Keepin' It Real. On this show, members of the Black Press talked about national issues. She has also been a guest host on WWRL Radio. You might have seen her on TV shows like The O'Reilly Factor, 20/20, The Today Show, and NBC Nightly News.

Early Life and Education

Elinor Tatum grew up in New York City. She went to Hunter College Elementary School and then the Dwight School. She studied Government at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. She graduated from college in 1993.

After that, she continued her studies at Stockholm University in Stockholm, Sweden. While in Sweden, she learned about international relations. She also studied the Swedish government system.

Starting Her Career

In 1994, Tatum came back to New York. She joined her father at the New York Amsterdam News. She started as an Assistant to the Publisher. Part of her job was to report for the newspaper. She wrote stories on many different topics. These included the Million Man March, boxing, and a student strike at the City University of New York.

In 1996, Tatum was promoted to Associate Publisher and Chief Operating Officer. That fall, she began working on her Master’s Degree. She studied Journalism and Mass Communication at New York University. She kept working full-time at the Amsterdam News while studying. In December 1997, she finished her Master’s degree coursework. Soon after, she was promoted to Publisher and Editor-in-Chief.

Community Involvement

Besides her work in journalism, Elinor Tatum is very active in the New York community. She is a member of the Board of Trustees for her college, St. Lawrence University. She also serves on the board of the New York Urban League. She is part of the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem and the Creative Vision Foundation. She also helps out on Manhattan Community Board 3.

Elinor Tatum has received many awards for her work. These include being listed in Who’s Who of American Women. She also received an honorary Doctor Of Humane Letters from Metropolitan College. Other honors include the Manhattan Borough Presidents’ Women’s History Month Award and the Public Advocates Award. She has also received the Women Who Make A Difference award.

Family Life

Elinor Tatum has one daughter. Her daughter's name is Willa Tatum Simmons.