The Black Press: From Freedom’s Journal to The Crisis, Ebony & Jet
White publications have sought to represent all voices in America since it’s discovery. But, in 1827, Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm joined forces and created the Freedom’s Journal. This publication created a space for black journalists to speak on issues relevant to black people.
From there, we would see other noted publications, like The Colored American, enter the homes of black people across the country. The black press not only spoke on topics like racial injustice and protests, but it delivered news so powerful that it would be tied to the launch of the Civil Rights Movement. As the press grew in distribution, black issues became highlighted and black accomplishments were able to be celebrated nationwide.
In this episode of Black History In Two Minutes or So hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from Farah Griffin of Columbia University, Mia Bay of the University of Pennsylvania, and Paula Giddings of Smith College, we will take a look at how the black press became a pivotal part of the black experience in America.
Archival Materials Courtesy of:
Alamy Images
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
The Evening Sun
Everett Collection, Inc.
Getty Images
Library of Congress
The New York Public Library
The New York Times
The Tribune
Executive Producers:
Robert F. Smith
Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Dyllan McGee
Deon Taylor
Music By:
Oovra Music
Be Woke presents is brought to you by Robert F. Smith and Deon Taylor.
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