Amos H. Lynch Sr.: The Godfather of Black Journalism and Civil Rights in Columbus

For more than half a century, Amos H. Lynch Sr. stood at the intersection of media and activism, ensuring that the stories of Black Columbus were not only told but amplified. Known as the “Godfather” of African American media in the city, Lynch became an enduring force for social change, wielding the power of the written word to challenge injustice and uplift the Black community. His influence on Black media continues reverberating throughout history.

A Legacy of Black Journalism

Lynch’s contributions to journalism are immeasurable. He was a visionary, co-founding three landmark Black newspapers in Columbus: the Ohio Sentinel in 1949, the Call and Post in 1962, and the Columbus Post in 1995. Each of these publications became a vital platform for Black voices, civil rights struggles, and political discourse in a city where those voices were often silenced.

As editor of the Call and Post for 33 years, Lynch’s leadership transformed the paper into one of the most influential Black publications in the Midwest. His role as publisher of the Columbus Post solidified his standing as a key figure in Black journalism, one whose work would inspire generations of writers, journalists, and activists.

“I learned early in my life that the written word is the most powerful tool for acquiring equal civil rights for all, and that newspapers were the best method for getting the word out,” Lynch reflected during his 2011 induction into the Ohio Civil Rights Hall of Fame. His dedication to this mission was evident in every issue of the newspapers he led, where he championed causes such as better job opportunities for Black workers, school integration, and racial justice.

A Mentor Who Shaped a Generation

Lynch’s impact extended far beyond the newsroom. He was a mentor to many, shaping the careers of countless journalists and community leaders. His tough but fair guidance helped mold young writers who went on to have impactful careers. Among them was Wil Haygood, the Columbus-born author whose first reporting job was at the Call and Post in 1977.

“I recall having to rewrite stories to get them up to speed, but it was the first job that I had where I was paid to write, so I will always look back upon my time under his tutelage as being very important,” Haygood said, reflecting on the formative role Lynch played in his career.

Lynch’s influence was also felt by many in the political sphere. Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, who counted Lynch as one of his mentors, noted that Lynch was a guiding force in the community. “He was known to some as ‘the godfather’ because he touched and influenced the lives of so many through his journalism and his involvement in the community,” Coleman said.

A Life Rooted in Activism and Excellence

Lynch’s deep-rooted connection to the Black community was shaped by his upbringing in Columbus. Born in 1925 to Herston H. Lynch, a dentist, and Beadie Adeline Hollingsworth Lynch, a writer for the Columbus Advocate, Lynch was exposed to journalism at an early age. As a boy, he delivered newspapers and sold magazines, later assisting his mother with her column before taking it over.

After graduating from South High School in 1943, Lynch spent years writing for local Black publications like the Ohio State News. His commitment to journalism led him to the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he served as a corpsman, caring for wounded soldiers in New York and Illinois. After the war, he returned to Ohio State University but was soon drawn back into journalism, ultimately leaving school to pursue his passion full-time.

In 1947, while covering a Wilberforce University football game, Lynch met the love of his life, Geraldine Anderson. They married soon after, and together they would raise a family and support each other in their shared dedication to service and community. Their marriage lasted 54 years until her passing in 2004.

A Legacy That Continues to Inspire

Throughout his career, Lynch viewed his work as both a calling and a responsibility. His leadership in Black journalism was defined by an unwavering commitment to social justice. Whether advocating for economic opportunities for Black workers, demanding integrated schools and housing, or simply telling the stories of everyday Black lives, Lynch’s work was a beacon of hope for the community.

His legacy is one of resilience and unrelenting advocacy. Amos H. Lynch Sr. was not just a journalist; he was a historian, a champion of civil rights, and a steadfast believer in the power of the press to change the world. The ink of his life’s work will continue to inform, inspire, and educate, ensuring that his influence on Black media remains felt for generations to come.

Personal Tribute from Ivory D. Payne, CEO/Publisher of the Baton Rouge Weekly Press

As the former Assistant Production Manager and Graphic Designer for The Columbus Post Newspaper, I had the profound honor of working with a true giant in the world of Black journalism, Amos H. Lynch Sr. His mentorship, leadership, and steadfast dedication to his craft left an indelible impact on my own professional journey, just as it did for countless others in the industry.

Lynch wasn’t just a newspaper man—he was a champion of our community. His unyielding commitment to elevating the voices of Black Americans and his strategic use of media to promote civil rights were qualities that I strive to reflect in my work as CEO and Publisher of the Baton Rouge Weekly Press. His influence extended far beyond journalism, reaching into the realms of social justice and community empowerment, and it continues to guide me as I navigate the complexities of Black media today.

Amos Lynch’s career was a blueprint for excellence, resilience, and advocacy. He understood the power of the written word and used it to affect real change in the lives of Black Americans. Just as he mentored so many before me, I now carry forward his legacy by amplifying the voices of the Black community in Baton Rouge and beyond.

His passing marks the loss of a true trailblazer, but his spirit lives on through the work that we continue to do in his honor. Rest in power, Amos. You laid the foundation for all of us who follow in your footsteps. Your influence will never be forgotten.