Michael Days, former editor at the *Daily News* and *Inquirer*, president of the NABJ-Philadelphia chapter, journalism executive, and advocate for newsroom diversity, died Saturday. He was 72.

A Hall of Fame inductee of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Days served as president of NABJ-Philadelphia and previously led the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. Throughout his career, he mentored generations of Black journalists and earned widespread respect for his leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities in the field.

“With a quiet authority and spirit of tremendous generosity, Michael Days exemplified the very best of what it means to be a journalist and a leader,” said NABJ President Errin Haines.

### Career and Education

Days began his career with reporting roles at the *Wall Street Journal* and other publications before joining the *Philadelphia Daily News* in 1986. He rose through the ranks to become editor at the *Daily News*, serving as the paper’s last editor before its merger with *The Inquirer* and Philly.com. Later, he served as the *Inquirer*’s managing editor in 2011 and 2012.

A native of North Philadelphia, Days graduated from Roman Catholic High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri.

### Advocacy and Impact

In 2023, Days appeared on the *Insight* podcast, a show focused on empowering communities and highlighting the role of Black journalists. He spoke about the importance of newsroom diversity and building meaningful connections within the communities journalists serve.

“As a journalist, you must know, and you need to bring on people who can help you gain that knowledge that you need to do the job,” he explained. “We’ve got to do a better job of just being connected … People need to see us as people, people that they can connect with.”

Veteran journalist Rod Hicks remembered Days as “a good journalist and a good man, a family-focused man of God” whose friendship and mentorship deeply influenced those around him. The two worked closely on various initiatives through NABJ, strengthening opportunities among Black media professionals.

“I was shocked by his sudden passing and can’t imagine what a world without him will look like,” Hicks said.

### Honors and Legacy

Days retired from the *Inquirer* in 2020. Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including the Trailblazer Award from the National Association of Black Journalists—an honor recognizing individuals who have positively impacted Black representation and coverage in the media industry.

*Inquirer* reporter and NABJ-Philadelphia chapter Vice President Melanie Burney recalled Days as a supportive friend whose passion for journalism left a lasting impact on everyone around him. Burney told *The Tribune* she will be finishing the remaining two months of his term as president of NABJ.

“He was well-respected in the industry and set the standard for being a Black journalist,” she said. She added, “We’ve lost a giant! Michael Days was not only an extraordinary journalist but a friend and mentor to countless journalists. What a life well-lived.”

NABJ Region I Director Melony Roy remarked, “He stepped up to lead the chapter in Philadelphia more than once, always bringing people together with humility and strength. His legacy lives on in the many journalists he inspired and the example he set.”

### Personal Life

His wife, Angela Dodson, said his life was marked by his “generosity of spirit.”

“He would give of anything he had,” she recalled. Dodson also highlighted Days’ exemplary professional reputation. “He would walk into a room and he exuded leadership. You saw him and just thought ‘he must be in charge.’ And he didn’t have an ego about it,” she said.

Days was preceded in death by his adopted son, Adrian. He is survived by his wife Angela; adopted sons Edward, Andrew, and Umi; three grandchildren; and many other family members and friends. Services have not yet been announced.

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https://www.phillytrib.com/obituaries/michael-days-former-daily-news-and-inquirer-editor-and-diversity-advocate-dies-at-72/article_79a399ce-3a8c-4241-9940-40ad6453da78.html