By Doni Glover, Publisher
(BALTIMORE – October 28, 2023) – In a few weeks, this Black-owned digital news organization (BMORENews.com) will celebrate its 21st Anniversary. The event is December 9th at Baltimore Unity Hall and serves as our annual fundraiser. To support, go to BlackWallStreetREUNION.eventbrite.com.
As this event approaches, I cannot help but meditate on the ‘soldiers without swords’ who wrote about the ills against Black people and who advocated for our collective freedom since the birth of the first African American newspaper, Freedom’s Journal, in New York City on March 16, 1827. Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm, of course, come to mind. So, too, does Frederick Douglass. He published the North Star. Robert Sengstacke Abbott gave us the Chicago Defender. And John Murphy gave us the Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper, the oldest continually-operating Black newspaper in America. And please don’t forget Ida B. Wells and her anti-lynching advocacy or Ethel Payne, the First Lady of the Black Press.
These journalism icons wrote the God-given, unapologetic truth in the face of white American terrorism and they are to be revered for their bravery. They took stances against all attacks, physical or otherwise, meant to harm Black people. They gave us a voice.
In the City of Baltimore in 2023, there is still a need for the Black Press. Still today, the mainstream media quite often ignores or deliberately overlooks anything positive about Black people. And that is part of the purpose of the Black Press. Quite often, ours is the task of countering mainstream rhetoric. This takes away from time that could be better spent on other news. Nonetheless, the Black Press is an advocate for Black people that often gives voice to the voiceless.
The Black Press also exists to highlight our agenda. For BMORENews.com, that agenda includes Black-owned businesses, public education, returning citizens, affordable housing, and universal access to health care. For the past 21 years, these 5 tenants have guided our focus to help empower our community. And thanks to supporters like you, we will continue the mission.
Yes, even as Black legacy newspapers are becoming fewer and fewer, fear not! BMORENews.com is here and will remain for as long as I have breath. Even more, a younger cadre of Black journalists, like Richard D. Elliott, is coming up the ranks to grab the baton. For this, we are grateful. On that note, if you know a young, Black journalist who is looking to get established, please send them our way. Email me personally at doni@bmorenews.com. Until next time, do keep hope alive, continue to pray like it’s up to God, and work like it’s up to you!
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