Press Release
(January 3, 2025): The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is saddened to announce the passing of James C. Dennis, Sr., a distinguished founding father and the last surviving member of the Union’s founding cohort. Passing away at the age of 95 on January 14, 2025, at the ELWA Hospital in Paynesville, Dennis was an exemplary figure in the realms of journalism, media, and activism, dedicating nearly fifty years to championing freedoms and journalistic integrity in Liberia.
The PUL extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dennis for his instrumental role in the establishment of the Union, where he served as President from 1966 to 1980, earning the distinction of being the longest-serving leader in the organization’s history. His leadership was characterized by unwavering commitment to the rights of journalists and the principles of freedom of expression and speech.
Having embarked on his journalistic journey in 1962 following his undergraduate studies in the United States, Dennis significantly impacted the Liberian media landscape. He ran and edited The Daily Listener, a newspaper founded by his father; and later founded Palm Magazine and published the Liberian Star newspaper, thus enriching the national discourse on politics, culture, and development.
In recent times, Dennis demonstrated his dedication to the craft during a leadership crisis within the PUL, facilitating critical discussions at Sinkor Palace and Corina Hotel to maintain integrity and foster unity within the journalism community.
In tribute to his remarkable contributions, PUL President Julius Kanubah expressed condolences to the Dennis family and the broader media community during a gathering of family and friends on January 19, 2025. He pledged the Union’s commitment to ensuring that the burial of James C. Dennis, Sr. is reflective of his exceptional life and lasting contributions to Liberian journalism.
The PUL will announce the funeral itinerary after the next meeting of friends and family on January 28, 2025, at Destiny Entertainment Center, Capitol Bye-Pass in Monrovia. “The Union is encouraging all Liberian journalists, media practitioners, and supporters of the press to participate in the events leading up to the burial of our esteemed champion”, said the union’s president.
