By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com
After 48 years of dedicated work AFRO production manager, Denise Dorsey is retiring. What started as a job in the advertising department grew into a 48 year- journey that now concludes after years as production manager. Throughout her time, Dorsey has meticulously mastered the many evolutions of technology in the world of news and publishing. On Dec.12, past and present AFRO team members along with Dorsey’s friends and family gathered to celebrate her.
CREDIT: AFRO Photo
“Sometimes you don’t realize the impact you have on people until you come into a room and you see all these people that you’ve worked with over the years that care enough to come out on a Thursday afternoon to say ‘We appreciate you,’” Dorsey said tho those in attendance at the surprise retirement party, held at Matthew’s 1600 in Catonsville, Md. “I appreciate all of you. I love all of you, it’s been fun working with all of you. One of the things I’m going to miss the most about working at the AFRO is the family that I’ve created there.”
Dorsey’s cousin, Angie Reese- Hawkins was on hand at the celebration to give remarks on behalf of family members.
“She believes in the mission of the AFRO and she believes that it’s a legacy newspaper that needs to continue to thrive based on its purpose,” said Reese-Hawkins.
Often recognized for her vibrant smile, warm spirit and “can-do” attitude, Dorsey has become a pillar within the company. Colleagues of the AFRO veteran reflected on how she’s impacted their lives.
“Forty-eight years–wow. I’m lucky to have you not only as a colleague, but also as a friend,” said Diane Hocker, AFRO director of community and public relations. “I’m overwhelmed and beyond grateful for your support through the years that I’ve been with the AFRO.”
AFRO Executive Director Lenora Howze also spoke during the celebration and praised Dorsey for her exemplary leadership skills– especially when faced in challenging circumstances.
“I remember the first deadline night that I was privileged to be a part of– you led us all through the process with such grace,” said Howze. “You’ve become not only a work colleague and professional role model but a personal one as well. how to manage in the line of fire without breaking down and letting the fire consume you.”
Throughout her career Dorsey has been spotlighted for her remarkable work and superb skill set that’s grown over time alongside technological evolutions. In 2022, she was named AFRO team member of the year for her hard work that never goes unnoticed.
The AFRO is extremely grateful for years of hard work and dedication from Dorsey, who has been a crucial part of the publication’s team for nearly five decades.
Her passion and courage to take on any task has helped the publication sustain and grow. For all of these reasons, and more we send an AFRO salute to Denise Dorsey as she wraps up her last edition of the paper as AFRO production manager.
The post An AFRO salute: Denise Dorsey retires after nearly 50 years appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
