Cartoonists Rights Founder Robert ‘Bro’ Russell Passes
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Robert ‘Bro’ Russell, founder of Cartoonist Rights passed away this morning. He was 84 years old. Bro Russell founded Cartoonists Rights in 1999. It was the first human rights organization to focus on protecting political cartoonists. Since its founding the organization has helped cartoonists from around the world with legal, financial, and moral support.
Current Cartoonists Rights President of Board of Directors Joel Pett and Past President Matt Wuerker released the following statement:
“The CARTOONISTS RIGHTS family is saddened to note the passing of our founder, guru, and friend, Robert Russell. ‘Bro’, as he liked to be called, died at 10:00 am on Sunday, September 13 of heart failure at Fair Oaks Hospital in Virginia, after some months of delicate health. Dr. Russell believed strongly that the right to free speech was key to defending freedom and democracy. His work defending cartoonists around the world was based in the belief that in many countries cartoonists were often on the front lines in the fight for freedom of the press. Over the past quarter-century, a host of cartoonists from every corner of the globe have directly benefited from his passion to defend those rights. From helping cartoonists as they fought their case in court, or as they stood up to threats and intimidation, to the many forced to seek refuge for speaking truth to power, Dr. Russell leaves a lasting legacy. Bro was good-humored, kind-hearted, and of generous spirit and we will all miss him as we proudly carry on the work in his honor. When plans for a memorial service are set, we will pass them along.”
Cartoonists Rights is asking any past colleagues Russell’s to send and share their remembrances to director@cartoonistsrights.org.
The Daily Cartoonist will have additional reporting as more information is becomes available.
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