WHO WE ARE | Elite News Dallas

WILLIAM BLAIR

William “Bill” Blair was born on October 17, 1921, in Dallas, Texas. He attended B.F. Darrell Elementary and graduated from Booker T. Washington.

In 1946, Mr. Blair began pitching for the Indianapolis Clowns, one of 12 old Negro League Baseball teams. These teams spawned such greats as Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson.

In 1949, Mr. Blair established the Southwest Sports News, a newspaper that published scores from African American college games across the United States. The newspaper was circulated to all major black colleges throughout the country.

In 1951, Mr. Blair left baseball because of an injury to his pitching arm. He continued to publish the Southwest Sports News. Even though Mr. Blair loved sports, he recognized the need for black churches to have a voice in the city of Dallas. As Political, Educational and Economic unrest led to the Civil Rights Movement and race riots grew, Mr. Blair decided that the blacks needed ta sound media voice to “Tell It Like It Is.” As a result, in 1960, the Southwest Sports News changed its name to the Elite News. The motto became “Black News for Black People.”

The Elite News newspaper was widely read in the black community. It highlighted the black churches, and black people making a difference in their community, politics, as well as sports in the community.

For 57 years, the Elite News has been “Devoted to nothing, but the TRUTH,” and as Mr. Blair puts it, “I'm not telling you what I hear I'm telling you what I know.”

The Elite News has gone through many face-lifts, but it remains “The official voice of the Church and community.”

In 2013, at Dad’s request Darryl E. Blair Sr became the publishing Editor, remembering his father's words: “The spoken word is like the air, but the printed word is always there,” the papers single goal was to continue to take his father’s dream to the next level in media. Standing on a solid foundation of proven success, they continue to serve the community with integrity and compassion.

Darryl is a Dallas native. His father was Negro Baseball player, historian and Civil Rights Activist William
Blair Jr. His mother was a well-known and respected caterer Mozelle Jordan Blair. After attending Bishop Dunn, Darryl graduated from Roosevelt High school in 1983 where he lettered in both track and football. Upon graduation from Roosevelt High he attended Prairie View A&M University majoring in
banking and finance. He finished Prairie View in 1987 and immediately began working in sales and advertising for his family owned and ran newspaper The Elite News. From 2006 to 2008 Darryl served as the Executive Director of the Capital City Classic CEO and Executive Director.
In 2007 he took over as the Executive Director of the Elite News Religious Hall of Fame Museum. At the death of his brother, Jordan Blair and the request of his father Darryl took over the running of the newspaper in 2012. Under Darryl’s leadership Elite News produces several annual community events;
The Martin Luther King Jr Parade and Festival, an Awards Program, The Easter Eggtravaganza, The William Blair Golf Tournament, The Religious Hall of Fame banquet, The Annual Backpack Give Away and The Women of Excellence Program. The Parade and Festival was one of the largest parades throughout the country. It was attended by 200,000 spectators. Through the other annual events Elite News provides scholarships, mentorship and outdoor activities to deserving community youth. One of the favorite is the end of summer event that provides children with backpacks and school supplies. Darryl is a former member of the southwest Dallas Pachyderm. Darryl loves all sports with his favorite being golf. On a good day you can find Darryl on any golf course making deals