Al Thomas, Compassion & Choices African American Leadership Council member, died on March 7 at the age of 67. He was publisher of the South Jersey Journal and Bridgeton Journal, and a former advertising executive with the Philadelphia Tribune—the oldest continuously published African-American newspaper in the United States. He remained active in Black media until his passing and was part of an organizing group of New Jersey Black publishers working to engage gubernatorial candidates on key issues.
Al’s involvement with Compassion & Choices was deeply personal. After caring for his mother at home during hospice and later losing his brother to COVID-19, he became committed to helping others navigate end-of-life planning. “Now I tell people my story so they can be prepared,” he said. “Don’t be the way I was.”
As one of the original founding members of the African American Leadership Council, Al used his voice to share his experiences and connect with others who had similar challenges. He focused on outreach to the public, faith leaders, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for culturally relevant education around hospice, and the importance of advance directives. “We have to educate the African American community about having a will and having a directive. This wasn’t taught. I want to help people be much better prepared than I was. And if you’re compassionate and you believe in helping people, you can’t lose.”
Brandi Alexander Chief Engagement Officer on Al Thomas: “It was such an honor to work with Al Thomas, he was so very passionate about everything he touched. Al was a force and one of C&C’s first council members to share their personal story, so others would not have the same experiences he had. We will greatly miss his powerful and dedicated voice.”
Al’s perspective, grounded in personal experience and community connection, helped advance the mission of Compassion & Choices. His voice, passion, and presence will be greatly missed—and his impact will not be forgotten.
Compassion & Choices
Media Contacts
David Blank
Media Relations Director
[email protected]
Phone: (227) 225 6553
Patricia A. González-Portillo
Senior National Latino Media Director
[email protected]
(323) 819 0310
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Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750
