Sept 2020 – 1st Anniversary Celebration

Sharon Spencer is no stranger to adversity. After having her first mammogram at the age of 40, Sharon was surprised to be diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer. Undergoing both a mastectomy and chemotherapy, Sharon’s health remained at risk when she later developed a hernia and pneumonia. Fourteen years later, Sharon is cancer free. However, her faith and health would be put to the test again in 2008 when a terrible car accident resulted in the loss of her right leg above the knee. Countless prayers and 22 surgeries later, Sharon learned to walk again. Not one to feel sorry for herself, this single mother of one returned to her life with courage and determination.

Elinor Tatum is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of the New York Amsterdam News, the oldest and largest black newspaper in the City of New York, and one of the oldest ethnic papers in the United States. Ms. Tatum was appointed to Editor In Chief in 1997, becoming one of the youngest publishers in the history of the black press. She began at the newspaper as a journalist, covering local and national issues affecting Harlem and the Black community. Under her watch, the Amsterdam News has evolved from typewriters to total computerization and undergone several new layouts with refocused content relevant to a wider African American community in New York and across the nation and the creation of Amsterdamnews.com, the paper’s online edition. Ms. Tatum has positioned the newspaper as a critical part of the national political discourse concerning African Americans.

In addition to publishing the Amsterdam News, Ms. Tatum’s political insight is also increasingly
sought after. She regularly moderates debates and hosts interviews on Manhattan
Neighborhood Network. She has appeared on WNBC evening news, and on NY1. She has guest hosted on the international network ARISE. She has also appeared on 20/20, The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, Fox 5, and CUNY TV. In addition, for over 11 years, Ms. Tatum produced and co-hosted a weekly segment of Al Sharpton’s daily radio show “Keepin’ It Real” – a nationally syndicated talk show that airs in over forty markets.

Ms. Tatum was born and raised in New York City. She graduated from St. Lawrence University
with a B.S. in Government Studies in 1993. She continued her education at Stockholm
University in Stockholm, Sweden, studying International relations and the Swedish model of
government. Ms. Tatum holds a Master’s degree in Journalism in Mass Communications from
New York University.

Other Phenomenal Woman Honorees