AUSTIN — The Texas Newspaper Foundation has selected four exemplary journalists – William Blair Jr., Randy Mankin, Frank Mayborn and Burl Osborne — for induction into the Texas Newspaper Foundation Hall of Fame in June.
The induction ceremony will take place during the Texas Press Association 2026 Convention and Trade Show Hall of Fame banquet at Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport at 11:45 a.m. Friday, June 19.
A selection committee met in April to select the inductees. The Austin-based Texas Newspaper Foundation created the Hall of Fame in 2006 to induct as many as four individuals annually. Inductees have been credited with outstanding achievements and contributions to the newspaper industry and to their communities.
William Blair Jr.
Oct. 17, 1921- Apr. 20, 2014
Elite News, Dallas
William Blair Jr. was born in Dallas in 1921, attended Booker T. Washington High School, and served as the U.S. Army’s youngest Black first sergeant during World War II. He played Negro League baseball from 1946 to 1951, pitching a no-hitter and touring with prominent figures like Jesse Owens.
After an injury ended his baseball career, Blair founded the Highlight News and later the Southwest Sports News, which became the Elite News, a Black community newspaper in Dallas.
Blair’s newspaper became a respected voice for African Americans by emphasizing truth and community issues, including churches, politics, and sports. Under his leadership, the Elite News hosted the first African American awards night in Dallas and initiated the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade.
Blair was a civil rights activist for more than six decades, advocating for political engagement, religious recognition, and community development.
Blair’s efforts included establishing the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, supporting local history, and mentoring future leaders.
He transitioned in 2014 at age 92, leaving a lasting impact on journalism, sports and civil rights in Dallas and beyond.
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