The Enoch Pratt Free Library recently debuted the DeWayne Wickham Room of Maryland Journalism in honor of the cofounder of the National Association of Black Journalists and founding dean emeritus of Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism and Communication.
Category: Black Press
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Wallace “Jack” Jackman: A life of leadership, laughter and legacy
Wallace “Jack” Jackman, longtime co-publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, is remembered for his visionary leadership, community-building spirit and the warmth and humor that defined his life. A mentor, connector and modernizer of the MSR, he leaves behind a powerful legacy carried forward by his family and the many lives he touched.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Jackman family
Posted inNational News
Dr. Benjamin Chavis celebrated as ‘Father’ of the environmental justice movement
Dr. Benjamin Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, was honored as the “Father of the Environmental Justice Movement” at the Mississippi Statewide Environmental Climate Justice Summit. Recognized for his groundbreaking 1987 study “Toxic Waste and Race” and his leadership during the 1982 Warren County protests, Chavis was celebrated for linking environmental issues to civil rights and inspiring global climate activism.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
From Cam Newton to James Brown, honorees at 10th Annual MMCA Gala assert commitment to diversity, inclusivity in media
By D. Kevin McNeirSpecial to the AFROkmcneir@afro.com Emmy Award-winning comedian, author and activist Loni Love delivered a perfect blend of humor and serious insights as the host for the 10th Annual Multicultural Media Correspondents Dinner (MMCD™) Gala Extravaganza, on Oct. 27, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. “Media diversity starts at the top, and it’s […]
Posted inBaltimore News
The AFRO Named Among the Nation’s Top Black News Outlets on Two Feedspot Lists
The AFRO-American Newspapers, the nation’s oldest continuously published Black-owned newspaper still owned by its founding family, has been named to Feedspot’s list of the “45 Best Black News Websites of 2025.” The recognition honors The AFRO’s legacy of trusted journalism and its continued innovation in digital media, storytelling, and community engagement.
Posted inBlack Press
‘Black America’s Attorney General’ donates $50K to Black Press during NNPA Awards Reception
Attorney Benjamin Crump surprised attendees at the 2025 NNPA National Leadership Awards Reception with a $50,000 donation to the National Newspaper Publishers Association, praising the Black Press as the “clarion call” for Black America. The event, a highlight of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, also honored leaders including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Yvette Clarke, and union president Claude Cummings Jr.
Posted inBlack Press
The 50-year legacy of Black Classic Press
Paul Coates, a former Black Panther Party member, founded Black Classic Press in 1978 as a program to provide books for incarcerated African American people. From chicken dinners to book drives, the business has now become a publishing and printing house where a few of his children and grandchildren work to continue the mission of sharing Black narratives.
Posted inBlack Press
Remembering Dr. Alyce M. Ware: A legacy of love, faith, and lifelong learning
Dr. Alyce M. Ware, an educator, community leader, and matriarch of The Atlanta Voice family, passed away peacefully on Aug. 19, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and civic leader whose life was defined by her commitment to education, faith, and service. Over four decades, she inspired countless students, championed community initiatives, and provided unwavering love and guidance to her family and community.
Posted inCommentary
The Black Press, public media, and press freedom: We must restore these cornerstones of a functioning democracy
By Shavon Arline-Bradley and Ja’Lia Taylor There is no democracy without a free press. That truth is especially urgent for Black women and our families, who have long relied on trusted media not only for information, but also for protection, representation and empowerment. In an era of disinformation, misinformation, political polarization and eroding trust in […]
Posted inBlack Press
NABJ turns 50, doubling down on equity, advocacy and the power of Black voices at annual convention
The National Association of Black Journalists marked its 50th convention in Cleveland by honoring its founders, celebrating Black media’s legacy, and electing Errin Haines as president to lead the fight for newsroom equity and press freedom. With diversity efforts under attack nationwide, Haines vowed to protect Black voices, strengthen the organization, and prepare the next generation of journalists.
Posted inBaltimore News
Three key tips for newspapers to thrive for the next 100 years
AFRO leaders share three key tips for Black newspapers to thrive: balancing legacy, innovation, and engagement with younger generations amid industry challenges.
Posted inAfro Newspaper
133 Years—and we’re still telling the truth
The AFRO-American Newspapers, a 133-year-old Black-owned and family-owned business, continues to thrive under the leadership of Publisher and CEO Frances Murphy Draper, blending its historic legacy with modern innovation while fighting for truth and equity in the face of current crises.