Bertram A Fitzgerald Jr.

1932 - 2017
Bertram A. Fitzgerald Jr., pioneering African –American publisher, dies at 84.

Bertram Fitzgerald Jr., known for the ground-breaking "Golden Legacy" comic book series initially published in the 1960's and 70's died on Tuesday, January 10, 2017.
Bertram was born in New York City in Harlem Hospital on November 6, 1932. He was one of three children born to Bertram Fitzgerald Sr. and Hattie Elizabeth Sessoms. Bert grew up immersed in the black culture of the Harlem River Projects near the historic Polo Grounds, as well as the tales of his Father's island heritage. In time, Bert took special interest in the black history of not just African –Americans, but all black history throughout the African diaspora.
The beginnings for the making of his own black history were coming together as a young man, but first, he would distinguish himself with a stint in the Air Force, serving his country from 1950 to 1953. Upon returning to civilian life, he went to Brooklyn College, graduating in 1956. Soon afterwards, he began working as an accountant at the Accounting firm of Oliver Walcot and Norman Rowan.
Also in 1956 Bert got married to Marjorie Ford. The union would produce three children, Denise, Bertram III (Buddy) and Geoffrey. They remained married until they separated in 1993.
In 1966, Bertram fulfilled his desire to be a voice as an educator of black history. What medium he would use? The then lowly comic book! Bertram would be a pioneer in elevating the comic platform to new heights, as well as reaching new demographics that may have had little interest in black history before.
As with any business, Bertram experienced challenges that tested his resolve as a black publisher. He was forced to scale back the business in the late 70's after some less successful ventures. In 1983, Bertram Joined Mayor Ed Koch's administration as Communications Director for New York City. He continued in this role till 1990, but he never stopped publishing Golden Legacy, or looking for new publishing ventures.
In 1997, a new chapter opened in Bertram's life as he married a second time. This time to Jeannette Harrison, to whom he remained married until his passing.
Bertram once wrote, "I started publishing Golden Legacy 30 years ago on a "shoe-string". Golden Legacy was designed to create greater pride and self-esteem in African-American families and to dispel myths. (It) replaces feelings of hopelessness and unworthiness in black Americans ….with a sense of pride and self-esteem."
This "Legacy" will itself live on in the lives and attitudes of the black youth he lovingly tried to reach.

Services will be held at the Robert L. Frost Funeral Home.