William Garth, owner and publisher of Citizen newspaper, dies

CHICAGO (WLS) -- William Garth, Sr. the longtime owner and publisher of the Citizen Community Newspaper died Friday from complications from diabetes. He was 78.

The Citizen covers news in African American communities across the Chicago area.

Garth often mentored young people of color to invest in their communities.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel released a statement on Garth's passing, saying:

William Garth was more than the successful publisher of the Chicago Citizen and other respected publications. He was a philanthropist and community leader whose legacy will live on in the countless lives he has touched and through the college scholarships he provided in memory of his son Quentin Bernard Garth. His entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to service, and love of family will continue to inspire generations of Chicagoans. Amy and my thoughts and prayers are with the Garth family and the many in Chicago who were proud to call William their friend.