Black Press Celebrated: Voices of Our Experience

A look at African-American newspapers from the past.

/content/dam/betcom/images/2013/03/National-03-01-03-15/030713-national-freedoms-journal-media.jpg
The Anti-Slavery Bugle - This paper was first published in Lisbon, Ohio, on June 29, 1845. Its motto was “No Union With Slaveholders.” The paper published Sojourner Truth’s 1851 “Ain't I a Woman” Speech. The Bugle stood in strong opposition to papers representing the politics of Whigs, Democrats and Republicans, pro-slavery and others. It stopped publishing in 1863.(Photo: Ohio Historical Society via Library of Congress)
/content/dam/betcom/images/2012/03/National-03-01-03-15/030912-national-black-history-atlanta-daily-world-newspaper.jpg/content/dam/betcom/images/2014/01/National-01-16-01-31/012914-national-newspapers-Baltimore-Afro-American.jpg

Next Gallery

See Black Hollywood Shine at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards

17 Photos

1 / 11

Freedom's Journal - Since 1827, Black Americans have used the power of the press to voice their unique experiences. Papers sprung up nationally over the years covering issues such as slavery, lynching, civil rights and present-day discrimination issues. Take a look at several African-American newspapers that have paved the way in the past and present. — Natelege Whaley (@Natelege) "We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us," declared founders of the Freedom’s Journal, Samuel Cornish and John B. Russwurm, on the paper’s front page. The outlet covered international, national and regional news about issues of slavery, lynching and other issues affecting Blacks. The paper was published weekly in New York City from 1827 to 1829. (Photo: Freedom's Journal)

ADVERTISEMENT