DETROIT – Cliff Russell, a fixture in Detroit media for more than 30 years, has passed away at the age of 61.
Russell worked as a news anchor, political analyst, sports commentator and columnist in the Detroit area for more than 35 years.
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In 1994, Cliff Russell became Detroit’s first African-American Press Secretary to the Mayor, appointed to the position by former Mayor Dennis W. Archer.
For several years, Cliff Russell hosted “American Black Journal” on Detroit Public Television.
A native of Detroit, Russell graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Communications. He is survived by his three sons, three daughters, two step-sons and seven grandchildren and his wife.
His brother, Greg Russell, is a U-D graduate and also a prominent member of the media and has served as the Public Address Announcer at men's and women's basketball games. Greg also appears on WDIV's Live in the D program on a weekly basis as a film critic.
Here is a statement from Wayne State University athletic director Rob Fournier:
"Cliff was the consummate Tartar … he said the Warrior nickname was an adjustment for him. When we did our first radio broadcast in 2002, it was Cliff at the mic in the UNI (Northern Iowa) Dome. That was a pivotal moment for WSU Athletics. Simply put, he had a big presence at everything he did. His laugh, infectious grin and positive reverence for Wayne State. He loved basketball. It was his passion and he shared it with everyone he met."