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Black Press Consumers’ Message to NNPA: Keep Growing, Amplifying Community News

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “From now on, I would like to see the Black Press continue to grow. This could be in the form of owning television stations, podcasts, digital apps, media companies, and marketing solutions to guarantee visibility that challenges the outdated mainstream’s longstanding narratives that are sometimes stereotypical when concerning Black culture,” said recording artist Jacoby Jelks, who once appeared on an NNPA livestream.
The post Black Press Consumers’ Message to NNPA: Keep Growing, Amplifying Community News first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

3 years ago

June 11, 2022

Oakland Post

Part 2 in a Series Celebrating 195 Years of the Black Press of America

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association of the 230-plus Black-owned newspapers and media companies that comprise the Black Press of America, is poised to observe the 195th anniversary of the birth of Freedom’s Journal and the Black Press.

An informative and entertaining convention kicks off at the Hilton Riverside Hotel on June 22 in New Orleans with the theme, “195 Years of the Black Press: Amplifying our Voices for Freedom, Justice, Equality, and Equity.”

NNPA Newswire has embarked on four-part series featuring some of its most dedicated consumers ahead of the convention.

Already during the series, readers and other consumers have shared why the Black Press remains vital after 195 years.

In Part II, they’ve asserted what they’d like to see from the Black Press today and in the years and decades ahead.

“I would like to see the Black Press continue moving and growing forward,” said Joni King, who has championed NNPA’s live morning show, Let It Be Known, since its inception in January 2021.

Artist Jacoby Jelks, who once appeared on an NNPA livestream, wants the Black Press to expand to other mediums.

“From now on, I would like to see the Black Press continue to grow. This could be in the form of owning television stations, podcasts, digital apps, media companies, and marketing solutions to guarantee visibility that challenges the outdated mainstream’s longstanding narratives that are sometimes stereotypical when concerning Black culture,” Jelks stated.

Michelle Madison, who subscribes to BlackPressUSA.com, said the onslaught of social media has made it challenging in many ways, “with more and more people receiving much of their news via the internet.”

However, Madison offered her belief in a “two-fold method.”

“First, there needs to be a contrived effort to attract people to purchasing, subscribing, and reading actual newspapers,” Madison insisted.

“Second, there needs to be a focus on addressing those that rely mainly on social media for their news. Based on my own informal research, many baby boomers and millennials seldom purchase newspapers.”

Madison continued:

“Typically, these groups are more inclined to subscribe to an online news service. However, I know of people in the age range of 50 and older who purchase newspapers and support Black media.

“However, that group is waning. The Black Press must make a concerted effort to attract them. Also, the readers should feel that their voice is being heard. I believe that this could be achieved by proactively incorporating millennials and generation X into the editorial content and staff of Black newspapers.”

She concluded that the Black Press “must aggressively seek advertisers and subscribers that are not afraid to hear the truth, according to Black people.”

Subscriber David Youngblood added that the Black Press should employ younger reporters and storytellers of all ages.

“I would like to see more voices challenge my progressive beliefs,” Youngblood asserted. “I would like to see more history lessons and more interviews with members of Congress.”

Youngblood encouraged the Black Press to continue efforts to bring subject matter experts on programs like Let It Be Known.

“I’d like to see a brief feature of each newspaper every day where they tell us what’s in the news in their specific city,” he said.

“Not just crime and violence, but local good news with local people.”

Entrepreneur Ashley King said she’d like the Black Press to include other marginalized voices in its coverage.

“Particularly other races and those with disabilities,” King stated. “I would also like for us to highlight more positive stories of those in the majority that help, support, and propel the Black voice,” she stated.

Chenadra Washington of the Washington International PR Firm admitted that it wasn’t until recently that she discovered the value of the Black Press.

“I am 35, and I texted a few friends, and they didn’t know anything about BlackPressUSA,” Washington said.

“With that, more brand awareness is needed, especially for generations younger than me.”

For decades, Isiah Gamble said he’d been a consumer of such Black Press jewels as The Amsterdam News, Philadelphia Tribune, and the AFRO.

He said he’d passed that appreciation down to his grandchildren, who regularly peruse the pages of the Black Press.

“I feel sorry for those who say they don’t know the Black Press,” Gamble remarked.

“I feel sorry because they should be ashamed. The Black Press is an institution like no other.

“Sure, having younger voices move in is always a good idea for any business, but if you’re paying attention to the Black Press and not the hustle and fake stuff put out by other news organizations, you’d know that the Black Press speaks to all of us, young and old, male, and female, poor and wealthy.”

Gamble concluded:

“I believe the one-piece missing is that the Black Press should look into being more visible at events like the Essence Festival, the Jamaican and Puerto Rican parades, and even going over to Europe and sharing their stories there.”

The NNPA’s convention and the celebration of the 195th anniversary of the Black Press is open to the public. For great hotel rates and tickets to some of the signature events at the convention, visit https://www.nnpa-events.com/

The post Black Press Consumers’ Message to NNPA: Keep Growing, Amplifying Community News first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Remembering George Floyd

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4 days ago

May 25, 2025

Oakland Post

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OP-ED: Oregon Bill Threatens the Future of Black Owned Newspapers and Community Journalism

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Nearly half of Oregon’s media outlets are now owned by national conglomerates with no lasting investment in local communities. According to an OPB analysis, Oregon has lost more than 90 news jobs (and counting) in the past five years. These were reporters, editors and photographers covering school boards, investigating corruption and telling community stories, until their jobs were cut by out-of-state corporations.

Published

5 days ago

May 23, 2025

Oakland Post

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.
President and CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

For decades, The Skanner newspaper in Portland, the Portland Observer, and the Portland Medium have served Portland, Oregon’s Black community and others with a vital purpose: to inform, uplift and empower. But legislation now moving through the Oregon Legislature threatens these community news institutions—and others like them.

As President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents more than 255 Black-owned media outlets across the United States—including historic publications like The Skanner, Portland Observer, and the Portland Medium—l believe that some Oregon lawmakers would do more harm than good for local journalism and community-owned publications they are hoping to protect.

Oregon Senate Bill 686 would require large digital platforms such as Google and Meta to pay for linking to news content. The goal is to bring desperately needed support to local newsrooms. However, the approach, while well-intentioned, puts smaller, community-based publications at a future severe financial risk.

We need to ask – will these payments paid by tech companies benefit the journalists and outlets that need them most? Nearly half of Oregon’s media outlets are now owned by national conglomerates with no lasting investment in local communities. According to an OPB analysis, Oregon has lost more than 90 news jobs (and counting) in the past five years. These were reporters, editors, and photographers covering school boards, investigating corruption, and telling community stories, until their jobs were cut by out-of-state corporations.

Legislation that sends money to these national conglomerate owners—without the right safeguards to protect independent and community-based outlets—rewards the forces that caused this inequitable crisis in the first place. A just and inclusive policy must guarantee that support flows to the front lines of local journalism and not to the boardrooms of large national media corporations.

The Black Press exists to fill in the gaps left by larger newsrooms. Our reporters are trusted messengers. Our outlets serve as forums for civic engagement, accountability and cultural pride. We also increasingly rely on our digital platforms to reach our audiences, especially younger generations—where they are.

We are fervently asking Oregon lawmakers to take a step back and engage in meaningful dialogue with those most affected: community publishers, small and independent outlets and the readers we serve. The Skanner, The Portland Observer, and The Portland Medium do not have national corporate parents or large investors. And they, like many smaller, community-trusted outlets, rely on traffic from search engines and social media to boost advertising revenue, drive subscriptions, and raise awareness.

Let’s work together to build a better future for Black-owned newspapers and community journalism that is fair, local,l and representative of all Oregonians.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President & CEO, National Newspaper Publishers Association

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Hate and Chaos Rise in Trump’s America

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Tactics ranged from local policy manipulation to threats of violence. The SPLC documented bomb threats at 60 polling places in Georgia, traced to Russian email domains.

Published

5 days ago

May 23, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified 1,371 hate and antigovernment extremist groups operating across the United States in 2024. In its latest Year in Hate & Extremism report, the SPLC reveals how these groups are embedding themselves in politics and policymaking while targeting marginalized communities through intimidation, disinformation, and violence. “Extremists at all levels of government are using cruelty, chaos, and constant attacks on communities and our democracy to make us feel powerless,” said SPLC President Margaret Huang. The report outlines how hard-right groups aggressively targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives throughout 2024. Figures on the far right falsely framed DEI as a threat to white Americans, with some branding it a form of “white genocide.” After the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, a former Utah legislator blamed the incident on DEI, posting “DEI = DIE.”

Tactics ranged from local policy manipulation to threats of violence. The SPLC documented bomb threats at 60 polling places in Georgia, traced to Russian email domains. Similar threats hit Jewish institutions and Planet Fitness locations after far-right social media accounts attacked them for trans-inclusive policies. Telegram, which SPLC describes as a hub for hate groups, helped extremists cross-recruit between neo-Nazi, QAnon, and white nationalist spaces. The platform’s lax moderation allowed groups like the Terrorgram Collective—designated terrorists by the U.S. State Department—to thrive. Militia movements were also reorganized, with 50 groups documented in 2024. Many, calling themselves “minutemen,” trained in paramilitary tactics while lobbying local governments for official recognition. These groups shared personnel and ideology with white nationalist organizations.

The manosphere continued to radicalize boys and young men. The Fresh & Fit podcast, now listed as a hate group, promoted misogyny while mocking and attacking Black women. Manosphere influencers used social media algorithms to drive youth toward male-supremacy content. Turning Point USA played a key role in pushing white nationalist rhetoric into mainstream politics. Its leader Charlie Kirk claimed native-born Americans are being replaced by immigrants, while the group advised on Project 2025 and organized Trump campaign events. “We know that these groups build their power by threatening violence, capturing political parties and government, and infesting the mainstream discourse with conspiracy theories,” said Rachel Carroll Rivas, interim director of the SPLC’s Intelligence Project. “By exposing the players, tactics, and code words of the hard right, we hope to dismantle their mythology and inspire people to fight back.”

Click here for the full report or visit http://www.splcenter.org/resources/guides/year-hate-extremism-2024.