I have been a journalist for more than 30 years and was beginning my career about the time Watergate broke. All of us back then knew The Washington Post, Woodward & Bernstein, Bradlee and Katharine Graham. We watched how these five people handled conceivably one of the most important stories in U.S. history. We adopted our style and work ethic after them and their style, which I, for one, believes continues to serve us so well today. Although I never met Mrs. Graham, her passing leaves me feeling as though I’ve lost a mentor. American journalism today is better because of her long commitment to and involvement in it.
Bob Howie-Conroe, Texas
I have worked for news organizations for the better part of 25 years, so maybe I’m a little more cognizant than the average citizen. But aside from the managing editor and publisher of our local newspaper who happened to be a family friend, Katharine Graham was the only other I knew anywhere in the world due to her great courage and foresight to publish the Pentagon Papers and leading the way on the Watergate story. Her inate sense of what was news and right and wrong made The Washington Post a great international newspaper. We are not likely to see another like her for a long time.
Christopher Frye-Pontiac, Mich.
I feel a colossal loss today. Like I no longer have in my life a true friend to me. I never personally knew Katharine Graham nor even had what I imagine must have been the most immense pleasure of hearing her speak in person; but as an individual of the 1960s and 1970s, I have followed her life and adventures and read her Pulitzer Prize-winning autobiography “Personal History,” as well as given it several times as gifts; it is soooo chock full of her story. I so recommend your reading “her story.” There are the gargantuan sagas, of course, of the Pentagon Papers, of Watergate and of her building up NEWSWEEK with it successfully wresting away from Time the status as THE weekly newsmagazine now for at least a couple of decades.
But there are also the many, many “smaller” decisions she made, many in just a few seconds, that had so massive a journalistic and personal impact. From such an emotionally battered childhood and young adulthood. Also the story of the strike at the newspaper and how she, with the help of her own little kids, quite literally, night after night, saved it. Then there’s the employee whose baby was born prematurely. And her lifelong friendships with some very “unlikely” (whatever that means, she says) individuals.
I do not believe we shall see another of her stature, countenance and demeanor very soon again. Hearing of her death yesterday makes me very, very sad.
Blue Maas-Ames, Iowa
When I was just out of college, in the late ’70s, I was fortunate enough to work at the Washington Post in the Writers Group, which at the time was located on the same floor as Mrs. Graham’s offices. Mrs. Graham treated us all with kindness, respect, great humor and warmth. In those days young women needed role models, and Mrs. Graham was one of the best; though we knew that was a role she didn’t seek, it was one she filled beautifully. I have never forgotten her confident graceful manner with everyone, and I am proud to have known her.
Jody (Nesheim) Gruber-Washington, D.C.
I feel extremely fortunate to have grown up as a native of Washington, D.C., alongside Katharine Graham and the Washington Post. The newspaper was my bible for current events in my school years and remains my morning touchstone in my adult life via the Internet. Ms. Graham’s touching memoir, “Personal History,” reminded me that all women, regardless of circumstances, can step beyond their personal insecurities and fears to live a passionate and fulfilling life, succeeding in balancing family and business. Both the Post and her memoir are satisfying legacies for future generations of women and journalists everywhere.
Jacki Whitford-Falls Church, Va.
I was a member of the NEWSWEEK administrative staff from 1981 to 1984. My fondest memory of that time was being invited to have lunch with Mrs. Graham and a number of my colleagues. The interest and concern that Mrs. Graham showed for our work left a lasting impression on me. She set a tone that made us all very proud to be associated with NEWSWEEK, The Washington Post Company and, especially, with her.
Joseph A. Shapiro-Plainfield, N.J.
My knowledge of Katharine Graham came mostly from reading her wonderful autobiography and from Ben Bradlee’s book. It is obvious that everyone admired her as a woman of great integrity and with a recognition of her inner strength. I was shocked and saddened to learn of her untimely passing. Although many women journalists have been on talk shows to speak about her since her death, I think she was a source of inspiration and leadership to both men and women alike. I would have liked to get a chance to meet Mrs. Graham. She seemed a very genuine person, which you do not see much of these days. I hope the lessons she taught by her actions will be remembered and carried on by our current and future journalists.
Robert Schuster-Springfield, Pa.
I never knew Mrs. Graham nor the depth of her generosity and influence. Yet I can say with all sincerity that I would not be able to question my government freely and without fear if it were not for her personal strength and integrity. Thank you, Mrs. Graham, for being one of those precious few beacons of honesty in an increasingly cynical and untrusting society.
Wade Williams-Austin, Texas
Post staff writer Bob Kaiser remembers Katharine Graham as “a pretty dreadful snob about some people. But then she could turn around and embrace her humblest employee like a long-lost grandchild.”
There was a night in 1993 when I was among those humblest of employees at my first real job at the Post. It was “Friday night hell”-deadline night for Saturday, Sunday and Monday business sections. For my colleague Louie Estrada and me, that meant deadline for the several dozen financial charts and graphs that we compiled from wire sources and typeset, between fielding endless phone calls and faxes, while filing our own weekly business features. We were usually tired and shaken by the time it was over.
On this night, I was also fast becoming drenched in a sloppy rain. My car was in “The Death Lot,” an affectionate moniker for a spooky and isolated parking area that was cheaper than closer garages. “Where’s your umbrella?” And there was the stuff of legend, Mrs. Graham, head poking from the window of a black limousine that was backing up toward me. I couldn’t think of anything to say. “Where are you going? Do you need a ride? Get in here!”
The limo’s door swung open and she pulled me in, dripping hair and all. It was a very sweet moment. I wondered if Bill Gates-with all his philanthropic leanings-was doing maternal stuff like this. I was delivered to my car in the Death Lot’s far reaches, and admonished: “Promise me you will never park here again.” I never did.
Marianne Kyriakos-Silver Spring, Md.
I never actually met Kay Graham, but through the saga of The Washington Post, which was also her own personal saga both as a person and a publisher, I have come to know her quite well. I remember reading her memoirs and ended up feeling so proud of her for what she has done for herself and for American journalism. Her life and that of the Post were an important education for me as I took on the challenge of being a journalist myself.
Carlos H. Conde-Davao City, the Philippines
I became a huge admirer of Mrs. Graham’s when I read her memoir, “Personal History.” As far as I’m concerned, she epitomized the evolution of women in the 20th century and did so with incredible grace and dignity. One of the biggest highlights of my life was being to hear her speak in person and, as well, meeting her during her book-promotion tour in 1997. What a woman! Her legacy is enormous and will be inspiring young women for many years to come.
Karen Churn-Warrensburg, Mo.
I gave an oral presentation on the life of Katharine Graham several years ago to one of my literary clubs. I wrote to her for information and received a comprehensive update from her. She said she was very appreciative of my interest in her life. I still have her papers and will treasure them forever. I am now 93 years old and have a tape recording of my presentation on Mrs. Graham. She was a very special lady to me and her accomplishments will be honored forever.
Martha Fincher-Atlanta, Ga.
To say that I admired Katharine Graham would not begin to describe my great regard for her as a woman, wife, mother, businesswoman, writer and journalist. For women in business now, because of her, it is not the end of an era, it is the beginning of an era.
Barbara Nestingen-Milwaukee, Wisc.
My recollection is more personal than many of the accomplishments being discussed in the various obituary stories. I had the privilege of working at NEWSWEEK as my first job out of college in my 20s, and I admired Mrs. Graham for making an effort to attend some of our internal meetings and conferences and specifically to talk individually and one-to-one with each and everyone there-without being interrupted by a cell phone, or looking at her watch, or looking about the room for someone more “important” to speak with. Perhaps the only thing we had in common is that we both attended the University of Chicago, and she would recall this in subsequent discussions, speak passionately about her involvement with the university as a trustee, and genuinely seek feedback on issues there. All small acts, but ones that were gracious, somewhat rare and that will be remembered.
Robert Mattaliano-New York, N.Y.
Because women have come so far, I think we tend to underplay the significance of this, but when I was starting my career in the early ’70s, Katharine Graham was the ONLY female CEO, the only role model for what a woman might be able to accomplish in business and journalism. She held that singular significance for much too long a time. But it’s important to a lot of us that she occupied that seat, taking responsibility for the solvency as well as the integrity of The Washington Post.
I worked at a CBS affiliate purchased by the Post and I remember distinctly Ms. Graham visiting us to welcome us into the fold. She was wearing a classic pink shirtdress, and I thought, “You mean a woman can actually dress like a woman and still be in charge of all these men?” And while she was sincere, she wasn’t the most polished speaker I ever heard. And again, I thought, she really must have something on the ball because a spokesmodel she is not.
Graham intrigued and inspired us to understand the source of her power, which was a willingness to work very hard, an ability to surround herself with smart, loyal people, her honesty and her indomitable integrity.
A lot of women my age say Geraldine Ferraro was the one who most inspired their quest for equal opportunity. But for me, it was Katharine Graham, a well-educated woman without lofty ambitions, who, because of her integrity and love of journalism, rose to surpass anyone’s expectations of her potential.
A truer and more inspiring role model I could not find. I am sorry she is no longer with us, but I am grateful that she opened our eyes to what could be.
God bless you, Katharine Graham.
Sue Leroux-Amston, Conn.
I was the assistant security manager for Newsweek Magazine in 1991 when I left from New York City to relocate to Marietta, Ga. I’m going to miss her very much. Whenever I escorted her to the 16th floor or meet her on the elevator of 444 Madison Avenue, she always had something humorous or positive to say. I just wish there was some way I could pay my last respects.
Dennis Lopez-Marietta, Ga.
