(ATLANTA, Ga.) — Today, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution named Leroy Chapman, Jr., as the editor-in-chief to replace Kevin Riley, who announced his retirement Thursday. Chapman, a 52-year old managing editor who’s been at AJC since 2011, is the first Black editor-in-chief in the newspaper’s 155-year history.

He’s been a major player in the AJC newsroom, directing coverage for some high-profile stories. His direction covered stories like the efforts to undermine Georgia’s 2020 elections and the court cases surrounding the Atlanta Public Schools faculty cheating scandal.

The AJC historically has been a forward-looking voice in a forward-looking city that has been a beacon in the South, a role it should always embrace, Chapman said.

“The AJC should stand on the side of what is right,” Chapman said, “and that’s how history is going to judge us.”

The retiring Kevin Riley will be made editor-at-large until his retirement comes into effect later this year. In an industry known for high editor turnover, his 12-year tenure was one of the nation’s longest.

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