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Our Black Press, Our Communities, Our Collective Survival

July 15, 2025

The article by Dr. John E. Warren discusses the critical role of the Black Press in African American communities and its current struggles. He emphasizes that Black newspapers have been telling the community's story for 198 years through numerous historical challenges, but now face declining support despite the African American population having more income than ever before.

Who is affected

  • The Black Press and Black newspapers
  • African American communities and readers
  • Black churches, fraternities, sororities, businesses, and nonprofits
  • Civil rights organizations (National Urban League and NAACP)
  • A generation that has grown up on social media

What action is being taken

  • The National Urban League President Marc Morial is supporting the importance of the Black Press
  • The National Urban League is meeting in Cleveland, Ohio
  • The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina
  • The Black Press continues to publish press releases and events of Black organizations despite reduced support
  • Dr. Warren is actively advocating for greater community support of Black newspapers

Why it matters

  • The Black Press has been a "Trusted Messenger" for 198 years through slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, and other challenges
  • African Americans spend approximately 4 trillion dollars annually, which is larger than some world economies
  • Current attacks on Black programs and services mirror the impact of immigration raids
  • Corporate reduction in ad revenue threatens the survival of Black newspapers
  • The Black Press serves as one of the two most important institutions in African American communities (alongside the Black Church)

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article, though the author does encourage readers to share the article with at least five others who wouldn't otherwise read it and to discuss its contents with them.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint