Black Press Day 2025 highlights need for innovation and resilience in media
By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Amid the uncertainty and flurry of change under the 47th president’s administration, President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publisher Association (NNPA) Benjamin Chavis spoke at the NNPA Fund’s 2025 Black Press Day event in Washington, D.C.
As a part of Black Press Week, the March 13 event helped recognize 198 years of the Black Press under the theme, “Where History Meets the Future of Black Media.”
There he addressed the State of the Black Press and laid out the necessary next steps for Black publishers and leaders throughout the U.S.
“The Black Press of America remains on the front lines of authentic journalism, reporting factual
news,” said Chavis during the live-streamed event.
“For the past 198 years, since the first publication of Freedom’s Journal on
“The value of the Black Press cannot and should not be understated or underestimated.”
March 16, 1827, the Black Press continues to be an active advocate for freedom, justice, equality, empathy and empowerment.”
NNPA currently consists of 245 print publications and 13 digital and online publications.
During the State of the Black Press, Chavis referenced a quote from the initial publishers of Freedom’s Journal John Brown Russwurm and Rev. Samuel Cornish, which read, “Others for too long have spoken for us. We wish to plead our own cause.”
“That notable call was editorialized two centuries ago,” said Chavis. “What has changed? What is our cause today? What is the enduring mission of the Black Press of America?
“A lot has changed, but a lot has not changed,” continued Chavis. “Black Americans have made tremendous socio-economic and political progress since 1827. American racism has not changed. The pseudo-ideology of White supremacy has not changed, although it has become more digitized in social media and institutionalized in a range of government agencies.”
Chavis pressed that the perseverance and resilience of the Black Press remains intact, but suggested a few things leaders of Black media can implement to ensure they truly stay resilient.
“We need to work on how to best aggregate and distribute our news and advocacy content on all the current and emerging platforms,” said Chavis. “But print is our heart. Print is how we make the impact, even in the digital age.”
Chavis said members of the Black Press should make sure they fully understand what it means to be a part of Black media today and help others understand and appreciate its value.
“The value of the Black Press cannot and should not be understated or underestimated,” he said.
Chavis also suggested that the Black Press and the Black Church need
a revival.
He recommended the Black Press and the Black Church hold mass meetings, a practice that dates back to the civil rights era, where publishers and Black pastors in each city come together to outline progress.
“We’re not going to make progress without our people,” said Chavis. “We have to represent and touch our people, our communities. They have to know that when we are out there on the front line, we represent their interests.”
Chavis pressed that through all that is thrown at Black members of the press in 2025, they should remember that they are the trusted voices of Black America.
“We’re not going to give up that trust for anything,” said Chavis.
AFRO Founder John Henry Murphy Sr. is remembered as a giant of Black Press.
NNPA President and CEO Dr. Ben Chavis (left) joins New York Beacon Publisher Ash Smith, who is holding a plaque honoring his late father, Walter Smith, founder of the publication. Ash Smith was joined by his son and wife, Tyler Smith and Coreen “Ci” Smith, respectively. Also pictured are NNPA Fund Chair Karen Carter Richards and NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr. (right).
Sacramento Observer Publisher Larry Lee (left) continues the work of his father, Dr. William H. Lee, founder of the publication. Shown here, Larry Lee with his brother, William Lee Jr., and NNPA Fund Chair Karen Carter Richards.
Shown here, Howard University Professor Wilson Clint with Omaha Star Publisher Terri Sanders.
Howard University School of Communications Department Chair and associate professor Ingrid Sturgis speaks as Dr. Yanick Lamb looks on.
NNPA Fund Community Board Member Lester Booker takes a moment with NNPA President Dr. Ben Chavis.
NNPA Fund Chair Karen Carter Richards enjoys Black Press Day with NNPA Fund Executive Director and nonprofit consultant, Kelly P. Hodges.
Inspiring readers, building leaders: Leith Walk Elementary and Middle School celebrates Read Across America
By Ronald Christian Jr. Special to the
In 1998, the National Education Association started Read Across America, a year-round program designed to inspire students across the country to be avid readers. In honor of one of the most prolific authors of all time, Dr. Seuss, the NEA started their annual weeklong and monthlong celebrations on March 2–Dr. Seuss’ birthday. On March 7, Leith Walk Elementary andMiddle School held a daylong celebration that entailed guest speakers encouraging their students to be the best that they can be.
City Council President Zeke Cohen (D-District 1) and Deputy Chief Academic Officer Dr. Taiisha Swinton-Buck read to eager elementary school students. Baltimore City Police representatives Maj. Joanne Waller, Capt. Scott Swenson, Sgt. Marlon Harry, Officer Monica Cooper and Officer Alexia Davis spoke to students about their commitment to fostering better community relationships and the responsibilities of policing their community. Baltimore’s own Carter Davis – a defensive back for the Boston College Eagles football team – spoke to students about his journey as a student athlete. Associate organizer for Baltimoreans United In Leadership Development Sameka Turner spoke to students about her childhood and the power of one’s voice.
According to the 2022 National Assessment of Education Progress, 37 percent of fourth-graders perform below the basic reading level. The studies show that low-income communities and communities of color experienced the greatest decline in proficiency. While this information can be disheartening, the students in the city are inching towards closing the gap.
Earlier in the school year, City Schools reported that there was a 13 to 16 percentage point increase in middle school literacy since 2016. Deputy Chief Academic Officer Taiisha Swinton-Buck spoke on what has led to the exponential growth students are experiencing, this was her response:
“I think that it is attributed to the high quality instructional materials that we have adopted and the investment in professional learning that we made for our teachers. So we know that the more that we empower our teachers with the resources that they need for what happens in the classroom every day, the better off our students will [be] as far as state testing and different benchmarks,” she said.
There is still plenty more ground to be gained as disparities persist, fueled by a number of factors ranging from structural inequality to socioeconomic conditions. Efforts such as Read Across America inspire the next generation of leaders to commit to their personal growth in meaningful and engaging ways.
Events such as the Read Across America celebration at Leith Walk Elementary and Middle School blend all that is required to support the sustainable growth and development of the future leaders of Baltimore and the nation at large.
AFRO
AFRO Photos/ Ronald Christian Jr.
Read Across America Day runs smoothly at Leith Walk with the help of Dora Cooper (left), Shantay Gaines, Principal Ashanti Porter and Geana Patti.
Sgt. Marlon Harry (left), Officer Monica Cooper, Maj. Joanne Waller and Capt. Scott Swenson speak to the students about the importance of proper policing.
Teacher Anjanette Jacobs (left) prepares her class to hear a story from Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen.
A reminder to students that being a leader will solidify the efforts towards being a Leith Walk Legend.
Shanade Wells-Anderson (left) introduces Carter Davis, a former Mt. St. Joesph student-athlete turned defensive back for Boston College. Davis spoke to the students about the importance of balancing academics and athletics.
Professional soccer players Jonatas Melo (left) and Val Teixeira address the students.
Associate organizer for Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development, Sameka Turner, speaks to students about her experience and the power of the voice.
School staff Patricia Faison (left), Racquel Johnson (seated) and Travis Jenkins volunteer on Read Across America Day.
Deputy Chief Academic Officer Dr. Taiisha Swinton-Buck, reads “Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea” to a group of very excited students.