CUMBERLAND — Allegany County lost a compassionate civil rights leader and peaceful ambassador in cultural relations with the passing of Norma Blacke Bourdeau on Sunday.

Bourdeau, of Lonaconing, was president of the Allegany County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and a retired professor of African-American studies at Frostburg State University.

If you have comments on the passing of Norma Blacke Bourdeau, contact staff writer Kevin Spradlin at (301) 697-6035.