The Black Press

 

During the pre-civil war era, free black slaves were still not given the same human rights as their counterparts. Not only legally speaking but in terms of how society portrayed them, especially in the media. For far too long black people were either excluded or didn't have a say in how stories affecting them were told in newspapers. That's why in 1827 a group of freed slaves and other prominent black figures met at Alexander Crummell's home to discuss issues related to the black community. From this meeting, the Freedom's Journal was born, establishing America's first black newspaper. 

"Too long have others spoken for us...we wish to plead our own cause."

Rev. Samuel Cornish and John B. Russworm, the founders of the publication, aimed to have stories told from black people's perspectives and in their own voices. In addition to general news happening throughout the world, the Freedom's Journal also featured editorials focusing on anti-slavery, racial discrimination, and other black injustices throughout the world. In those times it was illegal to teach a slave how to read. The Freedom's Journal sought to increase literacy among black people. One other notable feature that the newspaper included was the record of births and deaths of black people. Often times slaves' birth and death dates weren't recorded, because they were property and slave masters didn't see a need to keep records of them or celebrate their birthdays. Through the paper is established a historical record that could be referenced to see when black people were born and died during that period. This feature can also be considered one of the earliest forms of birth records, as birth certificates weren't issued yet.

Rev. Samuel Cornish 

John B. Russwurm

Although the publication lasted just two years, it reached 11 states in the north informing and educating thousands of black people who would have otherwise been blind to what was going on in the world. It also was one of the first black-led media initiatives to portray black people in a positive light, showing that they too are humans. The paper's legacy lived on through the founding of other black publications, some of which are popular today. By the start of the civil war over 40 black publications had been established allowing black people to have a voice during the war. Black people did fight in the war, and their service was often overlooked, but through these publications, they were allowed to control their narrative.

The National Negro Publishers Association was established as a unifying body for the publications that stemmed from the Freedom's Journal, which has expanded into an international organization. Today it is called the National Newspaper Publishers Association and comprises around 200 black newspapers globally, averaging 15 million readers. Some notable publications include the Chicago Defender, a staple in black news consumption. Notable black writers who have contributed to the publication include Langston Hughes and investigative journalist Ida B. Wells. 

Through these publications, journalists have strived to give black voices in America the recognition and truth that they deserve. Even today, black people don't get equal attention to detail or accuracy when being portrayed in the media, and that cast a negative light on them. The media as a whole has to do better and that starts with hiring more black content creators, so that not only will black people be shown in a positive light, but so that society can know that we are here and proud of who we are.