AMPLIFY NASHVILLE HONOREES

Getahn Ward was an award-winning journalist, professor, and community activist.

Growing up in Liberia, West Africa, Getahn Ward developed an early appreciation for newspapers and the essential information they provide to fuel growth in a community and nation. That’s why for nearly 20 years, Getahn considered it a privilege to write news stories about business in Nashville, his adopted home.

Fascinated with the evolution of an idea to a business, building, or product, Getahn covered almost every business news beat, both for the now defunct Nashville Banner and until his death, The Tennessean. But even more than a stellar reporter, Getahn spurred on his community in other ways as well. For five years, he served as a professor at Tennessee State University (TSU), teaching budding writers the fundamentals of media and inspiring a whole new generation of journalists. Getahn was also a dedicated advocate for black journalists, holding leadership positions with the National Association of Black Journalists during his life.

In so many ways, Getahn embodied what it means to be a catalyst in his community. His commitment to honest and thorough reporting, his empowerment of a new generation of aspiring journalists, and his advocacy for cultural and racial diversity in journalism has left a lasting legacy that Siloam Health is proud to honor at Amplify Nashville 2018.