Celebrating the Life of Charles Stewart, Sr.

Charles (Chuck) Stewart, Sr. truly defined a modern day “Renaissance Man.” His accomplishments are profound, for their diversity, altruism, and far-reaching effects.

As founder of the first black press in Orange County (The Hudson Valley Press), he managed to craftily couple his passion for the “art of law” with publishing. Although both pursuits were time-consumming, they were deeply satisfying on multiple levels.  Before launching a career in communications, Stewart co-produced major concerts, featuring such icons as; George Benson, Natalie Cole, Tom Jones, Gladys Knight, and Frank Sinatra, among many others. A talented singer and musician in his own right, Mr. Stewart has performed throughout the country at several highly revered venues.

Soon after his grassroots pioneer efforts in launching the Hudson Valley Press, Stewart accepted employment at Wappinger’s School District. During his short stint at Wappinger’s he fought and won a battle to make Dr. King’s birthday a paid holiday, before it become a federal one.

Following his education endeavors, Stewart joined K104 radio’s advertising department. After just one year at the station, he became the Hudson Valley’s first black station manager, a position he diligently held for four years. While helping the station to grow into a multi-million dollar operation, he attended legal and media classes. He later became the first black general manager in the Hudson Valley of WGNY, a station he contributed to for four years. At this position, he earned several honors, including the acclaimed UPI Best Broadcast Award.

Another of Stewart’s later projects included work on Governor Mario Cuomo’s first gubernatorial campaign. The late Reginald Lewis, billionaire and Harvard Attorney, enlisted him as a consultant and aide. Lewis was to later buy McCall’s magazine and Beatrice Foods, making him the world’s wealthiest black business person. He encouraged Stewart’s interest in law, complimenting him on several occasions with such endearments as, “I like the way you think.”

Stewart’s strong legal interest and serious attitude and devotion toward life and work is balanced by a deeply profound love of family and oppressed groups from all walks of life.  He feels there are far too many people in prison today who don’t belong there. That deeply felt concern has been the impetus for his heightened visibility and interest in the legal arena.

Constantly drawing the parallels between the oppression of various groups, he is motivated to publish the Hudson Valley Press each week, guided by the critical mission of enhancing the communication and visibility of both African Americans and Hispanics, along with other groups “falling under the radar.”

His consulting on FCC issues of equity and inner-city development have been integral to both President Clinton and Vice-President Gore, both of whom elicit his knowledge of mass media and economic development. In fact, Gore called for Stewart to meet with him and give his input on an FCC project in February of 1996. Further, Stewart was hosted by President Bill Clinton and Mrs. Hillary Clinton at the White House, a place where he has been a frequent guest. A contributor to The Hudson Valley Press for five years with her columns, Mrs. Clinton has an indisputable respect for both Stewart and his publication.  He is the recipient of a host of impressive, philanthropic accolades, including the New York State Dr. Martin Luther King Award and New York State’s Frederick Douglas Award.

Always the educator, Stewart continued to be involved in education; for ten years, he worked with the students at Newburgh Free Academy on careers in newspaper, television and radio. His arduous efforts to help youth have resulted in a large number landing positions in the media field.

Serving as a model for the importance of education, Stewart earned as A.S. degree in business and a Bachelors Degree in journalism.  He also completed legal and media courses at Marist College and a law degree from Duke University. He has also received honorary degrees.

His presence and guidance, along with precious wisdom and experience will be sorely missed at The Hudson Valley Press. However, his unwavering dedication to fight for equality as well as opportunities for all people, no matter their background, race or religion, will live on.

A celebration of Stewart’s life will include visitation for family and friends on Sunday, November 20th from 2 to 5 p.m. at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh, NY. Funeral service will be held 10 AM, Monday, November 21st at Springfield Baptist Church, 8 Church Street, Beacon, NY. Pastor Ronald O. Perry will officiate.