Arnette French, Black Pages publisher and association founder, dies at 54

(February 21, 2006) Arnette D. French, who founded a newspaper and published Black Pages business directories in four  major markets, died on Feb. 10 at North Kansas City Hospital from heart complications. He was 54 years old.

A native of St. Louis, French attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, graduating with a bachelors degree in accounting. Before long, he was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug and teamed up with Lincoln alumnus, Melvin Jones to publish the Sunday Morning Church Newspaper in St. Louis.

Later the pair started what would become the foundation block of French's life work -- The St. Louis Black Pages Directory. Building on that success, he took the concept to Kansas City and started the Kansas City Black Pages 23 years ago.

Eventually, his love for and commitment to expanding the economic empowerment message, afforded him the opportunity to become the Publisher of The Black Pages of The Dallas/Fort Worth (1986), and the Publisher of The Black Pages of Chicago.

Not being a native of Chicago, many thought his efforts to start a Black Pages in that market was foolish. But after having the city scouted, and doing a great deal of research, he accomplished what many had tried to do. The Black Pages of Chicago is now in its sixteenth year.. His three latter publications together formed the Black Pages U.S.A.

Much of French’s success is owed to his motto, “Prior planning prevents poor performance”. Many sought his wise advice and mentorship in their own business planning and daily operations.

French was the recipient of numerous honors and accomplishments, but his humble spirit would often keep him in the back ground. His vision to position the Black Pages nationwide as the boot straps with which African Americans could pull themselves up inspired him to work with an group of other Black Pages publishers to form the National Association of Black Pages in 1988, which today is called The National Association of Black Publishers. French served as founder and first president of the association.

“There are few vehicles in our community that deal with Black economic development,” said French. "The Association is the first national body set up for this purpose. Simply put, the Black Pages are the helping hands that are our own."

French is survived by his son, Arnette Demond French, Jr,; mother-Ella Mae Townsel; father-Robert French, Sr.; four brothers-Robert, Jr., Leo, Anthony and Gregory; one sister Winifred L. Townsel and a host of relatives and friends.

A wake will take place Friday, Feb. 24 at 7 pm -10 pm. The funeral will be held on Saturday, Feb 25 at 10:00 am -1:00 pm, at Jesus Is All Family Worship Center COGIC, 1524 E. Grand, in St Louis. .


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