Known affectionately as the “Man from JET,” Simeon Booker curated a prestigious career for himself in the field of journalism.
Booker exercised his writing talent as the Washington Bureau Chief at JET for 50 years. Within that time, his coverage of Emmett Till’s brutal murder garnered wide attention with its in-depth reporting and graphic visuals.
The coverage sparked worldwide outrage and an eagerness for people to get involved in the civil rights movement.
For these efforts, in addition to his works as an author, Mr. Simeon Booker has been named one of the recipients of the George Polk Awards in Journalism for 2015!
The honorees were announced, Sunday.
The award honors individuals who “ply their craft with open eyes – and open minds,” John Darnton, curator of the Polk Awards told the New York Times.
Booker will receive the Polk Career award.
The announcement and acknowledgement of Booker’s contributions to the art of Journalism has spread across social media, with congratulatory messages. You can read a couple below.
It is wonderful to see Simeon Booker, the reporter who coordinated the @GetJETmag Emmett Till coverage, get his due. https://t.co/8wPuoJlqIN
— Jamil Smith (@JamilSmith) February 15, 2016
Cheers to the legendary Simeon Booker. #polkaward https://t.co/j7kLff7JMM
— gwen ifill (@gwenifill) February 15, 2016
We salute and appreciate your work, words, vision and career, Mr. Booker!
