P.L. Prattis facts for kids

Percival Leroy (P.L.) Prattis (born April 27, 1895 – died February 29, 1980) was an important American journalist. He worked for some of the most influential African-American newspapers in the United States. He helped share important news and stories with many people for over 30 years.

A Life in Journalism

P.L. Prattis was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 27, 1895. He went to college at the Hampton Institute and the Ferris Institute between 1912 and 1916.

During World War I, Prattis served in the U.S. Army. He was a Battalion Sergeant Major and spent almost a year in France in 1918 and 1919. He was honorably discharged in 1919.

After his military service, Prattis started his journalism career. In 1919, he became the editor of the Michigan State News. In 1921, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, to become the city editor of The Chicago Defender. This newspaper was one of the most important African-American weekly papers in the country. In 1923, Prattis became the city editor for the Associated Negro Press. This job allowed him to travel internationally and interview famous people around the world.

In 1936, he moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to work for the Pittsburgh Courier as its city editor. In 1947, Prattis made history. He became the first African-American journalist allowed to enter the United States Congress through the Periodical Press Galleries of the United States Congress. This was a big step forward for African-American journalists. Prattis became the Courier's managing editor in 1948, and then its executive editor in 1956.

When the Pittsburgh Courier faced money problems in the 1960s, Prattis even donated his own money to help the newspaper stay open. He stayed as executive editor until 1965, when he retired.

P.L. Prattis died on February 29, 1980, in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania. He was buried at Homewood Cemetery in Pittsburgh. Later, he was honored for his important work in African-American media and his dedication to the Pittsburgh Courier.

Family Life

P.L. Prattis was married to Helen Prattis. She was a talented seamstress and a poet. Her poems, called "Everyday Verse," were published weekly in the Pittsburgh Courier from 1951 to 1953. Their daughter, Patricia Prattis Jennings, was also very talented. She was the Principal Keyboard player for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for many years, from 1966 to 2006.