Respected CBS News correspondent Harold Dow died on Saturday at the age of 62. The death is a shock to all of those who follow black public figures, as Dow was one of the most-respected black journalists in America.

Dow leaves behind his wife, Kathy, and their three children. Dow was with CBS for nearly 40 years, covering some of the leading stories across America. He even covered the kidnapping of Patty Hearst and the release of Nelson Mandela.






Dow is the winner of the prestigious Peabody Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award. He was also nearly killed during the falling of the twin towers on September 11, 2001. One of his greatest feats was getting the first interview with O.J. Simpson, after the murders of Ronald Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson.

In a recent interview, Dow had this to say:

"I've traveled all over the world. I've seen things few people in life get a chance to see up front and personal. I covered the tsunami in Sri Lanka. I was in South Africa when Nelson Mandela was freed. I traveled with him across the United States when he gave his tour. There's just moments, places I've been that I think truly changed my life."

Harold Dow's death is a sad and untimely end to an outstanding career. He lived his life to the fullest, and made the most of the opportunities presented before him. He started with almost nothing and turned that into almost everything. His life and work are going to be remembered for a very long time and he will certainly be missed.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action Resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.