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On Black Press Day, we honor and amplify the voices of marginalized communities - join us in promoting diversity and inclusivity in media!
Get ready to celebrate the impact of Black press on March 16 for National Black Press Day! This day honors the vital role that African American publications have played in shaping and sharing stories within their communities. Started in 1827, Freedom's Journal was the first African American newspaper published in the United States. Since then, Black press has been a powerful voice for social and political change, highlighting important issues and promoting unity among people of color. So let's take a moment to appreciate and recognize the rich history of Black press and its continued importance in our society today.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1827</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Black Newspaper</div><div class='timeline-text'>Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm establish Freedom's Journal, the first African-American owned and operated newspaper in the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1895</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The Chicago Defender Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>Robert S. Abbott establishes The Chicago Defender, becoming one of the most influential black newspapers of the 20th century.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Newspaper Publishers Association</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing over 200 African-American owned community newspapers from around the U.S., is established.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Black Press Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The NNPA declares every March 16 as Black Press Day, honoring the birth of the black press on March 16, 1827.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Black News Channel Launched</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Black News Channel, the first 24/7 news network for African American audiences, is launched.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a local newspaper event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local newspaper for any events or celebrations happening on Black Press Day. Attend and support your community's press and learn more about the importance of the black press in society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read articles from black-owned newspapers</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read articles from black-owned newspapers and educate yourself on the perspectives and issues that are important to the black community. This is a great way to celebrate and support Black Press Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your favorite articles on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness about Black Press Day by sharing your favorite articles from black-owned newspapers on social media. Use hashtags like #BlackPressDay and #SupportBlackPress to join the conversation and show your support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a thank you letter to your local black-owned newspaper</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to write a thank you letter to your local black-owned newspaper, expressing your appreciation for their work and the impact they have on the community. This is a great way to show your support and celebrate Black Press Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a panel discussion on the importance of the black press</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look for any panel discussions or talks happening in your area about the importance of the black press. Attend and listen to diverse perspectives on the role of the black press in society and how it has evolved over time.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the contributions of black journalists</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Black Press Day is a day to honor and recognize the hard work and dedication of black journalists, who have played a vital role in shaping our understanding of history and current events. It's an important reminder that journalism is not just about reporting the news, but also about representation and amplifying diverse voices.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It highlights the importance of media diversity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Black Press Day serves as a reminder that diversity in the media is crucial for providing a well-rounded and accurate representation of society. By celebrating the contributions of black journalists, we are acknowledging the need for diverse voices and perspectives in the media industry.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It educates about the history of black press</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Black Press Day also offers an opportunity to learn about the rich history and significance of black press in America. From early publications by free slaves to modern-day newspapers and online media outlets, the black press has played a vital role in documenting and shaping the black experience in America.</p></div></div>
Black Press Day is celebrated on March 16th every year. In 2024 Black Press Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Mar 16
Thursday
2024
Mar 16
Saturday
2025
Mar 16
Sunday
2026
Mar 16
Monday
2027
Mar 16
Tuesday
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