Al Thomas, Publisher of the South Jersey Journal and Bridgeton Journal, Has Departed

Front Runner New Jersey.com first reported Mr. Thomas’s death on March 7, 2025.

Thomas was also a longtime Black Executive with the Philadelphia Tribune, one of the oldest Black newspapers in the nation. 

Penda Howell, CEO and Publisher of the New Jersey Urban News, counted him as a close friend. 

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Al Thomas, a colleague, friend, dedicated Black Press member, publisher, and community leader,” Howell told Front Runner New Jersey.

“As the publisher of the South Jersey Journal, Al was a passionate advocate for truth, representation, and uplifting Black voices in media. His work helped shine a light on the stories that mattered most to communities often overlooked by mainstream news.”

“Al’s passing is a tremendous loss, but his contributions to Philly, South Jersey, and beyond will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Front Runner New Jersey called Thomas a “determined, passionate media executive with the ability to equally engage people from all walks of life” and that he  “spent his career cajoling clients and building on his efforts to keeping the Black Press relevant, even if he had to hand deliver issues himself.”

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), issued a statement praising Thomas’s record.

“Al spent his career building on his efforts to keep the Black Press relevant until his health challenges got in the way,” Chavis wrote. 

He noted that Thomas, Howell, and Cassandra Etienne, Associate Director, Center for Cooperative Media, worked together “specifically through initiatives supporting the local news ecosystem in South Jersey and the growing Black Press across the state.” 

“Al is another loss for the Black Press of America who we wish to rest in peace and power forever more,” Chavis added.

Among his many accomplishments, Thomas was noted for helping convince the U.S. Postal Service to establish a stamp in honor of NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain in 2014.

Details of services were not immediately available.