By HWM
Friends, colleagues, family members, and admirers gathered in Harlem recently to celebrate the life of pioneering journalist, author, broadcaster, and media personality Florence “Flo” Anthony, who died Aug. 5 at age 74.
The Sept. 1 memorial, held at Sylvia’s in Harlem, brought together people from across New York’s media, entertainment, sports, philanthropy, and cultural communities to remember a woman whose career was defined by breaking barriers and building relationships.
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Dubbed “Fabulously Flo,” the gathering was organized by longtime friends Helen Shelton, Angelo Ellerbee, and Roz Nixon. NBA great Johnny Newman served as host, while fellow basketball stars Charles Oakley and Patrick Ewing were among the event’s lead sponsors, The Amsterdam News reported.
The evening reflected Anthony’s wide-ranging circle of friends. Attendees included boxing champion Iran Barkley, broadcaster Rolonda Watts, R&B singer Meli’sa Morgan, real estate executive Eugenia Foxworth, entertainment executive Marita Monroe, jewelry designer Lu Willard and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff.
Anthony’s connection to Harlem and the Black media community ran deep. She was known for her longtime work with the New York Amsterdam News, including her “Go with the Flow” column, and remained connected to journalists, entertainers and community figures throughout her career.
She was also a proud Howard University alumna and member of the Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Members of the sorority attended the memorial wearing red, transforming the gathering into both a celebration of Anthony’s life and a tribute to the sisterhood that meant so much to her.
Anthony was a trailblazer in journalism. She became the first African American woman to work in the sports department of the New York Post and later became the first African American in the paper’s entertainment section, where she contributed to Page Six. She also became the first African American woman to write a column for a supermarket tabloid through her “Eye on the Stars” column in the National Examiner.
Her career extended beyond journalism. Anthony was a syndicated radio host, author, television contributor and entertainment reporter who developed particular expertise in boxing. Her work in boxing promotion connected her with legendary figures, including Muhammad Ali and Michael Spinks.
Anthony’s relationship with Spinks became personal. After knowing each other for more than four decades, the couple married in January 2026.
At the memorial, friends remembered Anthony’s warmth, humor and determination. One of her caregivers, Angelica Billalobos, recalled the bond they developed while caring for Anthony during her battle with cancer.
The evening ended with attendees singing “My Girl,” followed by applause, laughter and a toast to a woman whose life was filled with professional firsts, enduring friendships and a willingness to embrace life.
“Here’s to you, Flo! Way to go!” became the fitting final tribute to a Harlem favorite who lived on her own terms.
Photos: (1) Flo Anthony/ (2) Helen Shelton/ (3) Pastor John Dillard/ (4) Johnny Newman, Charles Oakley, Iran Barkley. All photos courtesy Helen Shelton
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