TMJ4 Photojournalist Clayborn Benson Retires

By Christopher Donovan

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TMJ4 STUDIO - It's a bittersweet day for us at TODAY'S TMJ4. After 39 years, photojournalist Clayborn Benson is retiring. He has been a staple at the station as well as in the community since 1967. Benson will be very active in his retirement. He will continue his work as executive director of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and its museum at 26th & Center. Benson has also been elected as president of the UW-Milwaukee Alumni Association. He shared his thoughts about covering Milwaukee and much more on Friday's Live at 11:30. Benson was the second African-American photojournalist ever hired in Milwaukee. His museum, which has operated for about 20 years, hosts a legendary annual Kwanzaa celebration. Benson said the museum is a labor of love, not a money-making opportunity. At a luncheon Friday, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett presented Benson with a plaque, proclaiming August 3 to be Clayborn Benson day in Milwaukee. Benson had developed a reputation as an aggressive photojournalist, occasionally ruffling the feathers of Milwaukee's finest. But Benson said Friday before assembled coworkers that if that's what it takes to get the story, he doesn't mind the rap sheet.