By Ashlee Banks
Especially for the AFROC
Members of Congress talk about the importance of black media organizations like the AFROC and why it’s important for Black publications to highlight stories that affect marginalized communities.
US Representative Glenn Ivey (D-Md.-5) believes that since its introduction, the AFROC was a cornerstone of the black community.
“The Afro newspapers are not just a publication, they are a public service. They give people a voice and share important information and knowledge with people who often do not receive the care and consideration given to other news consumers,” Ivey told the AFRICA.
He added that the AFROCIts “roots run deep in the black community and have long provided nourishment for the curious minds of our community. It is a cornerstone in developing our self-confidence in politics, health care, the arts, and many other fields in which people of color are involved.”
John Henry Murphy Sr., a former slave, founded the AFROC in 1892. He wanted to AFROC as a platform for sharing images and stories to uplift the black community and give people hope after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863.
The publication is the longest-running black family-owned newspaper in the country and covers a wide range of topics affecting the black community, including politics, arts and entertainment, foreign affairs, sports, business and more.
US Representative Gabe Amo (DR.I.-1) told the AFROC that black publications are best placed to amplify black voices and must therefore be preserved.
“Anyone who doubts the importance of black media and diversity in journalism only needs to watch Donald Trump’s interview at the National Association of Black Journalists conference,” Amo told the AFROC.
Amo said the former Republican president “did not expect” the three black reporters to “hold him accountable.”
The Democratic congresswoman is referring to the controversial discussion that took place on July 31 between Rachel Scott of ABC, Harris Faulkner of Fox, Kadia Goba of Semafor and former President Donald Trump at the NABJ convention in Chicago. The three black journalists questioned Trump about his past statements, important political issues and questions that black voters have about his political record.
Lawmakers are confident that black publications will continue to play a central role in informing voters, especially during the current election cycle in which Vice President Kamala Harris made history as the first black woman of South Asian descent to run for the Oval Office.
“When journalists take on the task of writing the first draft of history, I hope that draft reflects the full depth and breadth of the American experience today,” Amo said. “I am a strong advocate for giving people of color a voice, because if we don’t tell our stories, no one will.”