They called him "Mr. Carl."

For some 45 years, Carl Murphy, a former German professor at Howard University and son of AFRO founder John H. Murphy, Sr., guided the AFRO-AMERICAN Newspapers through some of its finest times.

Dr. Murphy, who assumed his position after the 1922 death of his father, was known for his love of what he called "the little people." Long before it was popular, Dr. Murphy waged the war for equal justice for people of color, and took bold actions at a time when many of his contemporaries were frightened to do so.

Under his direction, the newspapers covered issues affecting blacks both in the U.S. and in the far corners of the world. The now legendary AFRO coverage of World War II came after Dr. Murphy assigned correspondents in Europe, Asia and Africa.

When Dr. Murphy died in February 1967, he left a powerful legacy: five newspapers, all solvent, and the organization celebrating its 75th anniversary without missing an issue.