Jon Beans, mentor to National Association of Black Journalists-TV (NABJ-TV), and reporter at Alabama Public Television for over 20 years, died Thursday due to complications from sickle cell anemia at 50, according to the Montgomery Advertiser.
“Jon was a great mentor and servant to NABJ,” said NBAJ President Gregory Lee Jr. in a press release, “he displayed great character and professionalism in leading NABJ-TV for many years at our convention.”
Beans was a producer at Alabama Public Television, working his way up before becoming the director of the station. Throughout his career Beans was repeatedly recognized for his work, winning several Emmy Awards and appearing on shows like “For the Record.”
Not only was Beans an accomplished journalist, he was also educator and member of NABJ. Beans served as an adjunct professor at Alabama State University. He also served as team leader to NABJ student members, and as a mentor for NABJ-TV, one of NABJ’s Student Projects.
“I first met Jon Beans at the 2003 NABJ Convention in Dallas,” said Sam King in a press release. He was part of NABJ’s Student Projects that year. “I remember a kind, patient and level-headed leader as he worked with us as we stumbled our way through learning T.V. on the fly.”
Beans is survived by his wife Sagusta, and two kids, Kaitlyn and Jonathan.