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{{short description|American journalist}}
{{Short description|American journalist (1931–2020)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| image = Brad_Pye_Jr._,1970.jpg
| caption = Pye in 1970
| name = Brad Pye Jr.
| name = Brad Pye Jr.
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1931|6|11}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1931|6|11}}
| birth_place = [[Plain Dealing, Louisiana]]
| birth_place = [[Plain Dealing, Louisiana]], U.S.
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2020|7|5|1931|6|11}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2020|7|5|1931|6|11}}
| death_place = [[Los Angeles]], California, U.S.
| death_place = [[Los Angeles|Los Angeles, California]], U.S.
| occupation = Sports journalist, broadcaster
| occupation = Sports journalist, broadcaster
| spouse = Eunice Prye
| spouse = Eunice Prye
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}}
}}


'''Brad Pye Jr.''' (June 11, 1931{{spnd}}July 5, 2020) was an American [[Sports journalism|sports journalist]], broadcaster, and [[Los Angeles]] community activist. He was the first recognized African-American sportswriter in Southern California and the first African-American scout for the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers. He was the sports director for several African-American radio stations and sportswriter for several local newspapers in the state. He was noted for utilizing his position to advocate equality for and recognition of African-American athletes and journalists.
'''Brad Pye Jr.''' (June 11, 1931{{spnd}}July 5, 2020) was an American [[Sports journalism|sports journalist]], broadcaster, and [[Los Angeles]] community activist. He was the first recognized [[African-American]] sportswriter in Southern California and the first African-American scout for the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers. He was the sports director for several African-American radio stations and sportswriter for several local newspapers in the state. He was noted for utilizing his position to advocate equality for and recognition of African-American athletes and journalists.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Pye was born in [[Plain Dealing, Louisiana]] on June 11, 1931.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pye (Brad, Jr.) Collection|url=https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c8639v6v/|accessdate=July 8, 2020|publisher=Online Archive of California}}</ref> When he was twelve, he got his friend to drive him to [[Los Angeles]] for $5.{{cn}} He lived at [[Central Avenue (Los Angeles)|Central Avenue]] {{clarify}} <!-- on the street? -->by himself for four years, when his mother joined him. He went on to study at [[Jefferson High School (Los Angeles)|Jefferson High School]], and worked as a shoe shiner, gas station attendant, and factory worker.<ref name=LAT>{{cite news|title=Brad Pye Jr., first Black sports broadcaster in L.A. and civic leader, dies at 89|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-07-07/brad-pye-first-black-sports-broadcaster-los-angeles-dies-obituary|first=Emmanuel|last=Morgan|date=July 7, 2020|accessdate=July 8, 2020|newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>
Pye was born in [[Plain Dealing, Louisiana]], on June 11, 1931.<ref name=OAC>{{cite web|title=Pye (Brad, Jr.) Collection|url=https://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/c8639v6v/|accessdate=July 8, 2020|publisher=Online Archive of California}}</ref> At the age of 12 he moved to Los Angeles by himself. He lived on [[Central Avenue (Los Angeles)|Central Avenue]] on his own for four years, until his mother joined him. He went on to study at [[Jefferson High School (Los Angeles)|Jefferson High School]], [[East Los Angeles College]], [[Compton College]], and [[California State University, Los Angeles]].<ref name=OAC /> He held various jobs including a shoe shiner, gas station attendant, and factory worker.<ref name=LAT>{{cite news|title=Brad Pye Jr., first Black sports broadcaster in L.A. and civic leader, dies at 89|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2020-07-07/brad-pye-first-black-sports-broadcaster-los-angeles-dies-obituary|first=Emmanuel|last=Morgan|date=July 7, 2020|accessdate=July 8, 2020|newspaper=Los Angeles Times}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Pye served as sports director for major African-American radio stations [[KYPA|KGFJ]], [[KRCD (FM)|KACE]], [[KDAY]], and [[KJLH]], and was sports editor for the ''[[Los Angeles Sentinel]]'' for nearly 30 years.<ref name=":1"/> He was also a regular sports columnist for the ''L.A. Watts Times'', ''Compton Bulletin'', and ''Inland Valley News'' newspapers.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://lasentinel.net/city-dedicates-brad-pye-jr-athletic-center.html|title=City Dedicates Brad Pye Jr. Athletic Center|last=Jackson-Fossett|first=Cora|date=July 2, 2015|work=Los Angeles Sentinel|access-date=February 2, 2016}}</ref>
Pye served as sports director for major African-American radio stations [[KYPA|KGFJ]], [[KRCD (FM)|KACE]], [[KDAY]], and [[KJLH]], and was sports editor for the ''[[Los Angeles Sentinel]]'' for nearly 30 years.<ref name=":1"/> He was also a regular sports columnist for the ''L.A. Watts Times'', ''Compton Bulletin'', and ''Inland Valley News'' newspapers.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://lasentinel.net/city-dedicates-brad-pye-jr-athletic-center.html|title=City Dedicates Brad Pye Jr. Athletic Center|last=Jackson-Fossett|first=Cora|date=July 2, 2015|work=Los Angeles Sentinel|access-date=February 2, 2016}}</ref>


In 1961, Pye became the first African-American public relations staffer in [[Major League Baseball]] while working for the [[Los Angeles Angels]].<ref name=LAT/> He was also the first African-American administrator in the [[American Football League]] while serving under Commissioner [[Al Davis]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://lasentinel.net/brookins-ame-salutes-brad-pye-jr.html|title=Brookins AME Salutes Brad Pye Jr.|last=Jackson-Fossett|first=Cora|date=June 27, 2013|work=Los Angeles Sentinel|access-date=February 24, 2016}}</ref>
In 1961, Pye became the first African-American public relations staffer in [[Major League Baseball]] while working for the [[Los Angeles Angels]].<ref name=LAT/> He was also the first African-American administrator in the [[American Football League]] while serving under Commissioner [[Al Davis]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://lasentinel.net/brookins-ame-salutes-brad-pye-jr.html|title=Brookins AME Salutes Brad Pye Jr.|last=Jackson-Fossett|first=Cora|date=June 27, 2013|work=Los Angeles Sentinel|access-date=February 24, 2016}}</ref>


In addition to his work in sports journalism, Pye was active in the [[Government of Los Angeles County]] and led a 24-year career working in multiple capacities. In 1987 he began working as a deputy under county supervisor [[Kenneth Hahn]] and was promoted to assistant chief deputy three months later.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://lasentinel.net/brad-pye-to-leave-county-after-24-years.html|title=Brad Pye to Leave County After 24 Years|last=Jackson-Fossett|first=Cora|date=April 14, 2011|work=Los Angeles Sentinel|access-date=February 24, 2016}}</ref> He worked as a top deputy to [[Yvonne Brathwaite Burke]] after she succeeded Hahn as county supervisor in 1992.<ref name=":2"/> With Burke's support, Pye launched a program to provide free year-round swimming instruction for kids, which continues today as the Aquatic Foundation of Metropolitan Los Angeles.<ref name=":2"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/community/article.jsp?article=honorees|title=Community Article|website=Los Angeles Dodgers|access-date=February 25, 2016}}</ref>
In addition to his work in sports journalism, Pye was active in the [[Government of Los Angeles County]] and led a 24-year career working in multiple capacities. In 1987 he began working as a deputy under county supervisor [[Kenneth Hahn]] and was promoted to assistant chief deputy three months later.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://lasentinel.net/brad-pye-to-leave-county-after-24-years.html|title=Brad Pye to Leave County After 24 Years|last=Jackson-Fossett|first=Cora|date=April 14, 2011|work=Los Angeles Sentinel|access-date=February 24, 2016}}</ref> He worked as a top deputy to [[Yvonne Brathwaite Burke]] after she succeeded Hahn as county supervisor in 1992.<ref name=":2"/> With Burke's support, Pye launched a program to provide free year-round swimming instruction for kids, which continues today as the Aquatic Foundation of Metropolitan Los Angeles.<ref name=":2"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/community/article.jsp?article=honorees|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216113454/http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/community/article.jsp?article=honorees|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2012|title=Community Article|website=Los Angeles Dodgers|access-date=February 25, 2016}}</ref>


In 1993, Pye became division chief of the [[Department of Children and Family Services (Los Angeles County)|Department of Children and Family Services]] and worked as the [[Americans with Disabilities Act]] (ADA) coordinator and manager of the Disaster Services Section, the Exams/Recruitment Section, and the Health and Safety/Return to Work Section.<ref name=":2"/> Pye also volunteered throughout the city of Los Angeles and was the first African-American president of the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks Board of Commissioners. He paved the way for the advancement of African-Americans to senior level positions within the department.<ref name=":1"/> In 2015, the City of Los Angeles named the gymnasium at Saint Andrews Recreation Center the Brad Pye Jr. Athletic Center in honor of Pye's impact and contribution to the city and local residents.<ref name=":1"/>
In 1993, Pye became division chief of the [[Department of Children and Family Services (Los Angeles County)|Department of Children and Family Services]] and worked as the [[Americans with Disabilities Act]] (ADA) coordinator and manager of the Disaster Services Section, the Exams/Recruitment Section, and the Health and Safety/Return to Work Section.<ref name=":2"/> Pye also volunteered throughout the city of Los Angeles and was the first African-American president of the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks Board of Commissioners.


==Personal life==
==Legacy==
Pye paved the way for the advancement of African-Americans to senior level positions within Los Angeles city and county government agencies.<ref name=":1"/> In 2015, the City of Los Angeles named the gymnasium at Saint Andrews Recreation Center as the Brad Pye Jr. Athletic Center in honor of Pye's impact and contribution to the city and local residents.<ref name=":1"/> Pye's papers are preserved at the University Library in Special Collections and Archives at [[California State University, Northridge]].<ref name=OAC /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://library.csun.edu/SCA/Peek-in-the-Stacks/pye-collection |title=The Legacy of Brad Pye, Jr. |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=September 29, 2020 |website=Peek in the Stacks |publisher=[[California State University, Northridge]] |access-date=September 30, 2020 |quote=}}</ref>

==Personal life and death==
Pye was married to Eunice Prye. Together, they had four daughters (Jill, Jenice, Jan, and Sharee) and one son (Brad III). Both his wife and son predeceased him.<ref name=LAT/>
Pye was married to Eunice Prye. Together, they had four daughters (Jill, Jenice, Jan, and Sharee) and one son (Brad III). Both his wife and son predeceased him.<ref name=LAT/>


Pye died in his sleep on July 5, 2020,<ref>[https://lasentinel.net/brad-pye-jr-trailblazing-sports-writer-and-broadcaster-passes-away.html Brad Pye Jr., Trailblazing Sports Writer and Broadcaster, Passes Away] ''Los Angeles Sentinel'', July 5, 2020.</ref> at his home in Los Angeles. He was 89 years old.<ref name=LAT/>
Pye died in his sleep on July 5, 2020,<ref>[https://lasentinel.net/brad-pye-jr-trailblazing-sports-writer-and-broadcaster-passes-away.html Brad Pye Jr., Trailblazing Sports Writer and Broadcaster, Passes Away] ''Los Angeles Sentinel'', July 5, 2020.</ref> at his home in Los Angeles. He was 89 years old.<ref name=LAT/> He was buried in [[Inglewood Park Cemetery]] on July 22, 2020.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://inglewoodtoday.com/featured/brad-pye-jr-laid-to-rest-in-inglewood/|title=Brad Pye, Jr. laid to rest in Inglewood|first=Kenneth|last=Miller|date=July 23, 2020|website=Inglewood Today|access-date=November 25, 2020}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:1931 births]]
[[Category:1931 births]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:African-American sportspeople]]
[[Category:African-American journalists]]
[[Category:American football executives]]
[[Category:American football executives]]
[[Category:American radio personalities]]
[[Category:American radio personalities]]
[[Category:American sports journalists]]
[[Category:American sports journalists]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Angels broadcasters]]
[[Category:Burials at Inglewood Park Cemetery]]
[[Category:California State University, Los Angeles alumni]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Angels announcers]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Angels executives]]
[[Category:Los Angeles Angels executives]]
[[Category:People from Plain Dealing, Louisiana]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American people]]
[[Category:American football scouts]]

Latest revision as of 13:04, 6 November 2024

Brad Pye Jr.
Pye in 1970
Born(1931-06-11)June 11, 1931
Plain Dealing, Louisiana, U.S.
DiedJuly 5, 2020(2020-07-05) (aged 89)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation(s)Sports journalist, broadcaster
SpouseEunice Prye
Children5

Brad Pye Jr. (June 11, 1931 – July 5, 2020) was an American sports journalist, broadcaster, and Los Angeles community activist. He was the first recognized African-American sportswriter in Southern California and the first African-American scout for the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers. He was the sports director for several African-American radio stations and sportswriter for several local newspapers in the state. He was noted for utilizing his position to advocate equality for and recognition of African-American athletes and journalists.

Early life

[edit]

Pye was born in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, on June 11, 1931.[1] At the age of 12 he moved to Los Angeles by himself. He lived on Central Avenue on his own for four years, until his mother joined him. He went on to study at Jefferson High School, East Los Angeles College, Compton College, and California State University, Los Angeles.[1] He held various jobs including a shoe shiner, gas station attendant, and factory worker.[2]

Career

[edit]

Pye served as sports director for major African-American radio stations KGFJ, KACE, KDAY, and KJLH, and was sports editor for the Los Angeles Sentinel for nearly 30 years.[3] He was also a regular sports columnist for the L.A. Watts Times, Compton Bulletin, and Inland Valley News newspapers.[3]

In 1961, Pye became the first African-American public relations staffer in Major League Baseball while working for the Los Angeles Angels.[2] He was also the first African-American administrator in the American Football League while serving under Commissioner Al Davis.[4]

In addition to his work in sports journalism, Pye was active in the Government of Los Angeles County and led a 24-year career working in multiple capacities. In 1987 he began working as a deputy under county supervisor Kenneth Hahn and was promoted to assistant chief deputy three months later.[5] He worked as a top deputy to Yvonne Brathwaite Burke after she succeeded Hahn as county supervisor in 1992.[5] With Burke's support, Pye launched a program to provide free year-round swimming instruction for kids, which continues today as the Aquatic Foundation of Metropolitan Los Angeles.[5][6]

In 1993, Pye became division chief of the Department of Children and Family Services and worked as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator and manager of the Disaster Services Section, the Exams/Recruitment Section, and the Health and Safety/Return to Work Section.[5] Pye also volunteered throughout the city of Los Angeles and was the first African-American president of the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks Board of Commissioners.

Legacy

[edit]

Pye paved the way for the advancement of African-Americans to senior level positions within Los Angeles city and county government agencies.[3] In 2015, the City of Los Angeles named the gymnasium at Saint Andrews Recreation Center as the Brad Pye Jr. Athletic Center in honor of Pye's impact and contribution to the city and local residents.[3] Pye's papers are preserved at the University Library in Special Collections and Archives at California State University, Northridge.[1][7]

Personal life and death

[edit]

Pye was married to Eunice Prye. Together, they had four daughters (Jill, Jenice, Jan, and Sharee) and one son (Brad III). Both his wife and son predeceased him.[2]

Pye died in his sleep on July 5, 2020,[8] at his home in Los Angeles. He was 89 years old.[2] He was buried in Inglewood Park Cemetery on July 22, 2020.[9]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Pye (Brad, Jr.) Collection". Online Archive of California. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d Morgan, Emmanuel (July 7, 2020). "Brad Pye Jr., first Black sports broadcaster in L.A. and civic leader, dies at 89". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 8, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d Jackson-Fossett, Cora (July 2, 2015). "City Dedicates Brad Pye Jr. Athletic Center". Los Angeles Sentinel. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
  4. ^ Jackson-Fossett, Cora (June 27, 2013). "Brookins AME Salutes Brad Pye Jr". Los Angeles Sentinel. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  5. ^ a b c d Jackson-Fossett, Cora (April 14, 2011). "Brad Pye to Leave County After 24 Years". Los Angeles Sentinel. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  6. ^ "Community Article". Los Angeles Dodgers. Archived from the original on February 16, 2012. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  7. ^ "The Legacy of Brad Pye, Jr". Peek in the Stacks. California State University, Northridge. September 29, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  8. ^ Brad Pye Jr., Trailblazing Sports Writer and Broadcaster, Passes Away Los Angeles Sentinel, July 5, 2020.
  9. ^ Miller, Kenneth (July 23, 2020). "Brad Pye, Jr. laid to rest in Inglewood". Inglewood Today. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
[edit]
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