By George Brown V

Michael Durand, the former Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Richmond Review and Sunset Beacon newspapers, passed away on May 30 following a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. He is greatly missed.

Throughout Michael’s 70 years of life, he gained quite a reputation for his mentorship and guidance of young writers. In this column, the Richmond Review’s youngest writer, George Brown V, reflects on Michael’s impact in his – and multiple other students’ – lives and professional development.

I emailed Michael Durand to express my interest in writing for the Sunset Beacon on July 8, 2024. Raised in the Sunset District for my entire life, I had read the local newspaper every month with the same eagerness as when the Highlights magazine came in the mail when I was younger. Looking to expand my writing experience beyond my school’s newspaper, I took a chance in reaching out to Mr. Durand. Within hours, he responded and gave me the opportunity to write an article highlighting Misdirections Magic Shop. He could have politely declined a twelve-year-old’s aspirations as a journalist, but instead, Michael welcomed me into the Sunset Beacon and Richmond Review family.

“I am delighted you are interested in journalism and would love to get you involved with the papers,” Michael said.

Michael provided me with the proper guidelines for writing for this community paper, treating me like any other professional journalist. After sending him my first draft, he quickly offered to discuss edits over the phone, advising that this was “a great way to learn.” In that moment, I realized that Michael was more focused on my growth as a young writer rather than on the article itself. He became not only my editor but also a mentor and a friend.

Every time I saw Michael, whether at the Sunset Night Market or at one of the staff parties at SF Hole In The Wall Pizza, he greeted me with his characteristic warm smile and enthusiastically said, “It’s great to see you.” Then he would praise my latest article and ask about how school was going.

Now, two years and several articles later, I have to say goodbye to my friend. I last saw Michael at the SF Local News Day celebration not long before he passed away. Always looking to forge connections, he introduced me to numerous journalists and even a college professor of journalism. He displayed the latest issues of the Sunset Beacon and Richmond Review and took every opportunity to proudly share with everyone how young writers in high school and college contributed to these publications.

Audrey Jonas, who is entering her fourth year at University of San Francisco, began writing for the Richmond Review at 20, after one of her college professors recommended the paper as an option for an internship in writing. While her classmates took the traditional path in pursuing internships in publishing, Jonas decided to try journalism instead. She reached out to Michael through a “cold email,” expecting no response, but received a warm reply instantly. Although nervous about the subsequent phone call interview, Jonas was put at ease by Michael’s friendly conversation about the paper’s origin and how he met his first friends when he came to San Francisco. Michael then asked about her and her aspirations. Accustomed to traditional English courses, Jonas had no idea if she could make the transition to journalism.

“Mr. Durand had an extremely foundational and formative impact on my career, seeing as he was my first mentor, or boss, in the field of journalism,” Jonas said. “Michael made me feel comfortable enough to pitch story ideas despite having no experience and reinforced the ideology that attracted me to journalism in the first place: that a dedication to and curiosity about other people, no matter their differences, is what can make you a good journalist.”

Roman Fong, another young writer whose first article for the Richmond Review was printed when he was just 17, developed his passion for journalism early on when the faculty advisor for the student paper at his high school encouraged him to join the staff in his freshman year. Fong wrote for The Lowell, the student newspaper at Lowell High School, for four years and became the editor-in-chief in his senior year.

“I gained a deep appreciation for how journalism could create spaces of critical thinking and discourse, while allowing me to use research and writing skills in my own writing and reporting,” Fong reflected.

Since he hoped to continue journalism in college and eventually become a professional reporter, Fong wanted to explore writing outside his high school walls. With the Richmond Review being delivered to his doorstep monthly, he was inspired to reach out to its editor – Michael Durand. Fong contacted Michael, who actually had already read some of his stories in The Lowell. Fong felt that Michael showed a genuine interest in learning all about his journalism journey when they first met up at Tennessee Grill, the eventual subject of his first story.

“Mr. Durand always radiated a warm energy and deep passion for fostering community through journalism,” recalled Fong. “He shaped my view on journalism by reminding me that it is a people-first profession. Yes, It’s our job to tell stories and inform people about their neighborhoods, but he was always focused on the people rather than just the page.”

Fong, who just finished his second year of college at San Diego State University (SDSU), has already assumed the role of editor-in-chief of SDSU’s student paper, The Daily Aztec.

“Mr. Durand played a huge role in shaping the way I approach reporting, but he also made an impact by simply encouraging me to keep writing,” said Fong.

Michael Durand left a legacy that extended so much beyond the Sunset Beacon and the Richmond Review. He touched the lives of so many as an avid supporter of young writers, a mentor to future journalists and an instant friend to anyone lucky enough to meet him.

There will be a community-wide, celebration of life for Michael at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 at the United Irish Cultural Center (2700 45th Ave. near Sloat Boulevard). Please confirm your attendance by RSVPing at the following link: tinyurl.com/mdurandcelebration.