CLEVELAND — The city of Cleveland is mourning the loss of activist, journalist and entrepreneur Mansfield Frazier.
Frazier, the co-founder of Chateau Hough -- the country's first inner-city vineyard -- passed away on Saturday after a brief hospitalization. He was 78 years old.
Members of Frazier's family confirmed the news of his passing on social media, Sunday morning.
The Cleveland native and Hough neighborhood resident was a pillar of the community. Prior to co-founding Chateau Hough in 2010, Frazier, a self-taught writer, served as an editor and contributor for several local and national publications including the Downtown Tab, The Call & Post ,CityNews, and Newsweek/The Daily Beast, just to name a few.
The Greater Cleveland chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, which Frazier established, released the following statement:
"The Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists is mourning the loss of our friend and chapter charter member Mansfield Frazier. He served on our editorial and PR committees.
"As an author, print and radio journalist, and commentator, Mansfield touched so many lives across Greater Cleveland and beyond. His strong voice stirred passion, debate, and always made us think.
"A social entrepreneur, through his beloved Vineyards of Chateau Hough, Mansfield turned grapes into wine and became a powerful symbol of the rebirth in the Hough community as well as for those seeking a second chance in life.
"Mansfield Frazier was a great guy. We will miss his wisdom, sense of humor and undeniable presence. We send our deepest sympathy to his beloved family."
Cleveland Mayoral candidate, Justin Bibb, offered his condolences following the news of Frazier's passing on Twitter saying, "His life is a story of redemption and second chances — the hope that lies beyond struggle. I’m keeping his family in my heart at this difficult time."
Global Cleveland President and former Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman also shared the impact that Fraizer has on his life in tweet that read, "Personally he taught me so much, a champion for human rights at great peril to himself, his career. What a force of life. "
Former Cleveland City Councilman, Zack Reed in tweet wrote that Frazier's," intellect, witty humor, and passion for always fighting for the little guy will be missed."