Frank A. "Fay" Young was considered the dean of black sportswriters in a career that spanned fifty years. Working in virtual anonymity relative to the mainstream white press in the United States, Young evinced a love of athletics, and his eagerness and courage to speak out against racial injustice helped level American playing fields and provided opportunities for black men and women. Acknowledged as the first full-time black sportswriter in the country and the first sportswriter to report on black college athletics, Young has been described as gruff, caustic, and highly independent in his managerial style. He was also considered generous to a fault, and his pioneering spirit and restless energy provided hope for black athletes and Chicago Defender readers during the difficult days of racial segregation.

Not much is known about Young's early days. Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on 2 October 1884, he was orphaned at the age of...