Ed Bradley: Curious, Relentless, Timeless

Highly-esteemed journalist Ed Bradley, most notable for his 26 years as a correspondent on CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” was a Philadelphia native raised in the West Philadelphia neighborhood that is the site of a new mural honoring his legacy. Bradley (1941–2016) was the first Black television correspondent to cover the White House and the recipient of dozens of prestigious journalism awards, including Emmys, Duponts, Peabodys, and both the George Polk and Paul White awards. He was injured in Cambodia as a war correspondent, and anchored his own broadcast, “CBS Sunday Night News with Ed Bradley.”

Bradley launched his journalism career at Philadelphia’s WDAS radio station, after starting out as a Philadelphia public school teacher and administrator following his graduation from local HBCU Cheyney University. His journalism career took him all over the world, but he remained a proud son of the City of Brotherly Love. The mural at 949 Belmont Avenue was painted by artist Ernel Martinez, in collaboration with students at St. Ignatius School and Senior Center, Blankenburg School, and the Mastery Mann School, where Bradley’s career began. Partners on the paint days included the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and the Fine Arts Department of Cheyney University. In June 2017, students from these schools had the opportunity to travel to New York to visit the CBS New York studios and learn more about broadcasting and Bradley’s legacy.

Ed Bradley was born on June 22, 1941, and November 9, 2016 marked the 10-year anniversary of his death at age 65 of complications from lymphocytic leukemia. The project culminated with a dedication and celebration of his life.