Pioneering Journalist Dr. Karanja Ajanaku Dies at 70

Pioneering journalist Dr. Karanja Ajanaku dies at 70

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Memphis is remembering Dr. Karanja Ajanaku, a pioneering reporter and editor who died on Tuesday after battling liver cancer. Inside the offices of the Tri-State Defender, a Memphis publication dedicated to celebrating the achievements and sharing the stories of African-Americans, the storied life and the work of one of their long-time journalists, Dr. Karanja Ajanaku, is being remembered. Karanja Ajanaku "Karanja Ajanaku, whom…

LEGACY: Tri-State Defender mourns loss of beloved journalist and former editor Dr. Karanja A. Ajanaku

Karanja A. Ajanaku, former executive editor and associate publisher of The Tri-State Defender, dedicated his life to uplifting Black voices through journalism. Known for his relentless pursuit of truth and mentorship of young journalists, Ajanaku’s work helped shape the narrative of African American life in Memphis. He passed away July 8 at age 70. by Lee … Continued

LEGACY: Karanja A. Ajanaku, former executive editor of The Tri-State Defender

Karanja A. Ajanaku, former executive editor and associate publisher of The Tri-State Defender, died Tuesday, July 8, after an extended battle with liver cancer. He was 70. Born Leroy Williams Jr. in Natchitoches, Louisiana, Ajanaku was raised in Kansas City, where his family moved when he was five years old. After graduating from high school […]