PHILADELPHIA — A former reporter and columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, who mentored scores of aspiring journalists and helped found local and national organizations that advocate for African-American journalists, has died. Acel Moore was 75.

Mr. Moore’s wife, Linda Wright Moore, said he died Friday night at their home in suburban Philadelphia after battling health issues for years.

Mr. Moore was awarded a Pulitzer Prize — the highest recognition given for US newspaper journalism — and was also a founder of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and later, the National Association of Black Journalists. He was one of the first black reporters at the Inquirer. But his wife said he was most proud of a high school minority journalism program he started that has given scores of aspiring journalists an introduction to the craft.

“He was very smart and thoughtful, but at the same time, he was a regular guy,’’ she said. “His passion was helping and supporting and encouraging young journalists.’’

Sarah Glover, president of the NABJ, said she was “heartbroken’’ by the passing of a man she called a longtime mentor and friend who had an effect on the careers of hundreds of members of the organization.

“Moore left us a wonderful legacy as a humanitarian, truth seeker, fighter for equal opportunity and trailblazer who opened doors for countless journalists, especially those of color,’’ she said.

Mr. Moore shared the Pulitzer for special local reporting with Wendell Rawls Jr., for their expose of conditions at Farview State Hospital for the mentally ill in Waymart, Pa.