Black Press Day

Black Press Day: Celebrating African American Journalism

Black Press Day is an annual observance that honors the legacy and contributions of African American-owned newspapers and media outlets in the United States. It commemorates the founding of the first Black-owned newspaper and highlights the ongoing importance of diverse voices in journalism.

Quick Facts

When is it?: March 16
Tagged as: Media, History, African American Culture
What’s the hashtag?: #BlackPressDay
When was it founded?: 1827 (first Black-owned newspaper), 1990 (official observance)
Who founded it?: National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

History of Black Press Day

Black Press Day originated to commemorate the launch of “Freedom’s Journal,” the first African American-owned newspaper in the United States. Founded by Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm on March 16, 1827, in New York City, this pioneering publication gave voice to the Black community at a time when mainstream media often ignored or misrepresented their experiences.

Timeline

1827: “Freedom’s Journal” is published, marking the birth of the Black press
1905: Robert S. Abbott founds the Chicago Defender
1940: Negro Newspaper Publishers Association (now NNPA) is established
1990: First official observance of Black Press Day
2020: Black press plays crucial role in covering racial justice movements

Upcoming Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	March 16	Sunday
2026	March 16	Monday
2027	March 16	Tuesday
2028	March 16	Thursday
2029	March 16	Friday
2030	March 16	Saturday

Observed

Black Press Day is observed primarily in the United States, with celebrations and events organized by media organizations, educational institutions, and community groups. It serves as a reminder of the vital role that Black-owned media continues to play in shaping public discourse and advocating for social justice.

How to Celebrate Black Press Day

Read Black-owned Publications

Take time to explore and read articles from Black-owned newspapers and online publications. This will help you gain new perspectives and support these important media outlets.

Attend Local Events

Check for panel discussions, lectures, or exhibitions in your area that focus on the history and impact of the Black press. These events often feature journalists and historians who can provide valuable insights.

Share on Social Media

Use the hashtag #BlackPressDay to share articles, quotes, or historical facts about the Black press on your social media platforms. This helps raise awareness and encourages others to engage with diverse media sources.

Fun Facts About Black Press Day

The Chicago Defender, founded in 1905, played a crucial role in the Great Migration of African Americans from the South to the North.
Frederick Douglass owned and operated several newspapers throughout his lifetime.
The Black press was instrumental in advocating for civil rights and social justice long before the mainstream media began covering these issues.
Many famous African American writers, such as Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, got their start writing for Black newspapers.
Today, there are over 200 Black-owned newspapers in the United States.

Quiz

What was the name of the first Black-owned newspaper in the US?
In what year was the first Black-owned newspaper published?
Who founded the Chicago Defender?
What organization officially established Black Press Day?
On what date is Black Press Day celebrated annually?

(Answers: 1. Freedom’s Journal, 2. 1827, 3. Robert S. Abbott, 4. National Newspaper Publishers Association, 5. March 16)

FAQs

What is the significance of Black Press Day?
Black Press Day honors the legacy of African American-owned newspapers and their crucial role in giving voice to the Black community, advocating for civil rights, and shaping public discourse.

Why is the Black press important?
The Black press provides perspectives often overlooked by mainstream media, covers issues relevant to African American communities, and serves as a platform for Black voices and experiences.

How has the Black press evolved over time?
From print newspapers to digital platforms, the Black press has adapted to changing technologies while maintaining its core mission of informing, empowering, and advocating for the African American community.

What challenges does the Black press face today?
Like many media outlets, the Black press faces challenges such as declining print readership, competition from digital media, and financial pressures. However, many outlets are successfully transitioning to digital platforms.

How can I support the Black press?
You can support the Black press by subscribing to Black-owned publications, sharing their content, and engaging with their reporting on social media platforms.

Importance of Black Press Day

Black Press Day holds immense significance in recognizing the vital role that African American-owned media has played in shaping American history and culture. It serves as a reminder of the power of diverse voices in journalism and the ongoing need for representation in media. The Black press has been instrumental in advocating for civil rights, exposing injustices, and celebrating African American achievements often overlooked by mainstream outlets. By commemorating this day, we honor the legacy of pioneering Black journalists and publishers who fought for the right to tell their own stories. It also highlights the continued importance of supporting Black-owned media in today’s digital age, ensuring that diverse perspectives remain an integral part of our national dialogue. Black Press Day encourages us to reflect on the progress made in media representation while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equity in journalism.