Carolyn DuBose dies at 93 

By Briannia Robinson 
AFRO Intern 
brobinson@afro.com 

Carolyn DuBose, an accomplished journalist, author, public relations specialists and longtime contributor to the AFRO News, died peacefully on June 5 in Arlington, Va. at the age of 93.

DuBose was born on Jan. 20, 1933, in Enfield, N.C. She was the only child born to  Robert L. Powell and Laura Bell Powell, highly respective business owners whose enterprises served as important pillars of the local Black community. 

From an early age, DuBose demonstrated  intellectual curiosity, leadership and creativity. Described as an outstanding student, she studied French and continuously excelled academically being awarded as both valedictorian and salutatorian through her school career. She was also elected three times as May Queen, reflecting the admiration she received among her peers and community.

A 1954 graduate of Hampton Institute, now known as Hampton University, DuBose cultivated her passion for writing as a member of the reporting staff of the Hampton Script. Throughout her college years, she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to scholarship, service and sisterhood that would span more than seven decades. During her time at Hampton Institute, she was active in literary and social organizations and became part of a memorable “mother and daughter team” when her mother enrolled at the university alongside her. 

DuBose’s professional journey reflected a rare combination of creativity, intellect and service to her community. After serving 20 years of service with the Department of Defense at the Pentagon, she returned to her lifelong love for journalism. 

As a freelance reporter and writer, she became a crucial contributor to AFRO News, the Washington Star, The Washington Post, Ebony Magazine and Jet Magazine. Throughout her years with Johnson Publishing Company, she worked closely with her hearing impaired friend. The late Simeoon Booker, the legendary Washington Bureau Chief whose reporting helped shape modern Black journalism.

Her talents extended beyond reporting. Carolyn wrote documentary scripts for the U.S. Information Agency, spent time serving as a staff writer for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and worked as a public relations specialist for several prominent organizations, including Ofield Dukes & Association, the American Freedom Train Foundation and the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Dedicated to public service and civic engagement, Carolyn  served as press secretary to members of Congress, including Congressman Charles C. Diggs Jr., the first African American elected to Congress from Michigan. She later founded Barton Publishing Housing and became the author of “The Untold Story of Charles Diggs,” an important historical account that preserved the legacy and contributions of a pioneering political leader. 

Carolyn was more than her professional achievements, she was a woman of faith, culture and deep community engagement. She was an active member of the Trinity Episcopal Church, a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and a co-founder of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association. She was an eager reader, world traveler and a devoted lover of arts who took journeys to Rome, Paris, London and a variety of other locations. One of her most memorable experiences was her visit to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and Shakespeare’s childhood home.

Well known for her elegance, intelligence, discretion and warmth, Carolyn continuously inspired many generations through her strength, wisdom and encouragement of others. Through her writing, public service, community leadership and personal relationships, she directly left an impactful mark on countless lives.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, George Howard DuBose, Jr,; brothers-in-law Marion T. DuBose (late Gwendolyn) and Jacques C. DuBose; and beloved parents Laura Bell Powell, Robert L. Powell, and stepfather, Chester McWilliams (late life remarriage).

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Sharon D. DuBose, Jo Hilda DuBose Spence, Esq., Regina A. DuBose , and son George H. DuBose III (Judy); sisters-in-law Kitrena DuBose Foster (late Al) and Tullulah DuBose Pickens (late William); grandchildren, Elliott G. Lee (Ashley), George Brennan DuBose, Christina E. Lee, Briana L.DuBose, and Carla M. Spence Zatratz (Chris); great grandchild, Callaway Zatratz; nieces Geowana Price, Terri Foster, Jihan Key (Kendrick), Nakia Alexander (Wesley), and Amanda Pickens-Ewell, Esq. (Quincy); nephews, Xavier DuBose (Van), Jacques DuBose (Ruth) and William Pickens, Jr.; a host of great nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many lifelong and dear friends.

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