NNPA Fund Hosts Black Press Day 2026 At Howard University

March 25, 2026

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Fund hosted its 50th annual Black Press Week Reception at Howard University on March 18, bringing together nearly 100 attendees including student journalists, veteran reporters, and corporate sponsors. The event featured a State of the Black Press address by NNPA President Dr. Benjamin Chavis Jr. , who emphasized the importance of digital transformation and the Black Press's historical role in truth-telling and fighting for justice.

Who is affected

Nearly 100 members of the Black Press, including college journalism students and veteran journalists
Black publications from across the United States
Friends and corporate sponsors of the Black Press
The family and legacy of Bernal E. Smith II
Howard University and its Moorland Spingarn Research Center (MSRC)
Future generations who will access digitized Black Press archives

What action is being taken

The NNPA is digitizing photographs and publications dating back to the early 19th century
Howard University's Moorland Spingarn Research Center is housing and growing the Black Press archives
The NNPA Fund is enshrining Bernal E. Smith II into the Fund of Distinguished Black Publishers

Why it matters

The Black Press has served as a critical voice for truth-telling, freedom, justice, and self-determination in African American communities for nearly 200 years, documenting stories that might otherwise have been lost to history. As the industry faces necessary digital transformation, preserving this legacy through digitization ensures future generations can access this vital historical record. The Black Press remains essential for challenging injustice and providing prophetic voice in American democracy, particularly as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary while the Black Press nears its 200th.

What's next

The Black Press must prepare for and embrace digital transformation and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to ensure survival. A new generation of journalists must be prepared to carry forward the legacy established by pioneers like Frederick Douglass and Ida B. Wells. The digitization efforts will continue to preserve historical materials for future access.

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