The co-founder of a groundbreaking publication in Rochester that was focused on the African American community has died.
According to her family, Carolyne Blount died peacefully on Thursday. She was 80 years old.
Blount and her husband, James Blount, were co-owners of about…time Magazine for more than 50 years.
James Blount died last September.
About…time focused on international, national and regional issues important to African Americans.
James and Carolyne Blount moved to Rochester in 1970. Richard McCollough, a longtime local broadcast meteorologist and former president of the Rochester Association of Black Journalists, told WXXI News last fall that the Blounts “were chronicling the history, chronicling the events in the Black community, and doing it in a very professional way, in a way in which people understood the stories.”
McCollough also credits the Blounts with taking a lot of risks, starting a magazine for the Black community when there were few other publications taking on that challenge.
In February 2020, Carolyne Blount was interviewed by WXXI when she and Marilyn Nolte of the Friends of Mt. Hope Cemetery were touring the grounds on a winter’s day, discussing a book Nolte co-authored with Verdis Robinson called, “Beyond These Gates: Mountains of Hope in Rochester’s African-American History.”
The book sought to ensure that stories about Black Rochester residents who escaped slavery, fought in wars and broke down barriers are not forgotten.
“Reading history and knowing what your people, your forefathers and others have contributed, and that they found a way to bring value to your life. If you have that within you,” Carolyne Blount said, “I think that gives you courage to go forward and make changes yourself that are positive.”
According to the website The HistoryMakers, which helps preserve the stories of African Americans, Carolyne Blount had a master's degree in library science and worked as a librarian before she and her husband became owners of about…Time Magazine in 1972, and she became the executive editor.
She also served on the board of directors of the Gateways Music Festival, which celebrates classical musicians of African descent.
In terms of services for Carolyne Blount, there will be a viewing on Monday, Jan. 15 at the Latimer Chapel, 983 S. Plymouth Ave. in Rochester.
The funeral is Sunday, Jan. 21 at Westover Episcopal Church in Charles City, Virginia.
A memorial service to celebration Carolyne Blount’s life will be held on April 13 at the Latimer Chapel in Rochester.
