Rest in print: A tribute to Joe Sink
As we prepare for the launch of Davidson Local on April 5, we must give credit where credit is due. The likelihood of two Black women partnering to establish a digital newspaper in Davidson County is unprecedented. Aside from our families, close friends and consistent supporters, if there’s anyone who we knew believed in our ability to accomplish this goal, it was Joe Sink.
Sink, widely known across the state as the former publisher of The Dispatch and the mastermind behind the award-winning Barbecue Festival, passed away on Tuesday, March 23. He was 84.
We both were introduced to Joe in the late 1990s when we were students at Lexington Senior High School. Serving on The Lexhipep’s [school newspaper] staff, although at different times, our first encounters with Joe included a tour of The Dispatch’s home office on E. First Ave. As is the case when most people met Joe, we were immediately struck by his large presence. He was a tall man with a booming voice that could immediately cause a teenager to proceed with caution.
However, we’d soon learn that his giant physical stature was miniscule compared to the enormous heart residing within. Joe was kind, thoughtful, assuring, present, gracious and a leader. He was never too busy to answer questions. He made everyone feel welcomed. And he was also known for spontaneously treating staffers to lunch, dinner and team-building outings.
His random acts of kindness weren’t simply reserved for the full-time employees. This included all staffers, including us high school Lexhipepers. He allowed and encouraged us to shadow reporters like Jill Doss-Raines, look over Donnie Roberts’ shoulders as he edited his latest masterful photograph and peruse the history room where thousands of old copies of The Dispatch were stored.
While continuing to serve in our respective roles with the Lexhipep, we benefited as Joe also provided us with opportunities to expand our roles at The Dispatch. With dreams of becoming a journalist, Antionette, at 16, was hired part-time by Joe. This position allowed Antionette to help her mother with household expenses while providing her with funds to pay for school necessities. Antionette recalled how “revolutionary” Joe was when it came to pay her for her work.
“Joe paid me $50 a story, in the 90s,” Antionette said. “That was unheard of. After Joe left, I never got paid that much to write a story for The Dispatch.”
Additionally, Joe paid her $8 an hour as a part-time employee, which was more than her mom was making at her full-time job. Along with his generosity in compensation, Antionette recalled how Joe helped her finance her first car, a Ford Escort, by co-signing for her.
“I heard he did that for a few people,” Antionette shared.
While those deeds remain dear to her heart, perhaps the action that sets him aside from most, in her mind, was the support Antionette received from Joe during a very dark time in her life. Following an incident where many people in town, whom she thought would support her through the treacherous waters yet abandoned her nonetheless, she received a call from Joe.
“He called and said, ‘I just want you to know that I’m on your team,’” Antionette remembered. “I told him I don’t have a team. He said, ‘Yes, you do, and I’m on it.’”
That was Joe. The loyalist.
When Kassaundra was in need of an internship her senior year, she struggled with finding a landing place. Knowing she wanted to go to college to pursue communication in some form, she decided The Dispatch may provide her with the experience she desired to help her sort out her career path.
After explaining to Joe her situation, he immediately sent her upstairs to the bustling newsroom to get to work. For a year, Kassaundra gleaned from professionals, wrote news briefs and established working relationships that have spanned over two decades.
When it was time for Kassaundra to leave home to attend college, Joe called her to come downstairs to his office. When she arrived, he handed her a gift bag. Inside was a new bookbag. A JanSport, to be exact. Complete with leather on the bottom and quality, sturdy straps. Knowing JanSport was one of the top-of-the-line retailers at that time, Kassaundra was overwhelmed by the gesture. As she attempted to articulate her appreciation, Joe, who was not much for fanfare, quickly cut her off and told her to “Go to college and do great things like I know you can.”
That was Joe, too. Surprisingly humble.
He never sought to be in the spotlight even when he did things that assured he would be. He simply wanted to pour into individuals, causes and organizations in which he believed. And he wanted to do it all while utilizing his one-of-a-kind sense of humor that made people flock to him daily at Black Chicken Coffeehouse as he occupied the round table for hours with stories.
Joe Sink nourished a seed for both of us that was planted long before Davidson Local became an idea. He helped instill in us a love for our community, local news and the integrity of the business.
As publishers, we aspire to produce a news source that Joe would be proud to read. We have big shoes to fill.
Thank you, Joe.
Rest in Print.
