The Black Press: From Freedom’s Journal to The Crisis, Ebony & Jet

May 29, 2020

|In Black History in Two Minutes (or so), Season 1

Be Woke Presents Black History in Two Minutes (or so)

White publications have sought to represent all voices in America since it’s discovery. But, in 1827, Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm joined forces and created the Freedom’s Journal. This publication created a space for black journalists to speak on issues relevant to black people.

From there, we would see other noted publications, like The Colored American, enter the homes of black people across the country. The black press not only spoke on topics like racial injustice and protests, but it delivered news so powerful that it would be tied to the launch of the Civil Rights Movement. As the press grew in distribution, black issues became highlighted and black accomplishments were able to be celebrated nationwide.

In this episode of Black History In Two Minutes or So, hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from Farah Griffin of Columbia University, Mia Bay of the University of Pennsylvania, and Paula Giddings of Smith College, we will take a look at how the black press became a pivotal part of the black experience in America.

Black History in Two Minutes (or so) is a 4x Webby Award winning series.

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Archival Materials Courtesy of:
• Alamy Images
• The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
• The Evening Sun
• Everett Collection, Inc.
• Getty Images
• Library of Congress
• The New York Public Library
• The New York Times
• The Tribune

Executive Producers:
• Robert F. Smith
• Henry Louis Gates Jr.
• Dyllan McGee
• Deon Taylor

Produced by:
• William Ventura
• Romilla Karnick

Music By:
• Oovra Music

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