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List of African American newspapers in Massachusetts facts for kids

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The Woman's Era - May 1 1894
Front page of The Woman's Era, the first newspaper produced by and for African American women, from 1894.

This article lists newspapers created by and for African Americans in Massachusetts. These newspapers have a very long history in the state, starting even before the Civil War. The first one in Massachusetts was the Anti-Slavery Herald in 1838. Today, an important African American newspaper is the Bay State Banner. These newspapers helped share important news and ideas within the Black community.

Important African American Newspapers

African American newspapers in Massachusetts have played a big role in history. They helped fight for civil rights, share community news, and give a voice to Black people. Here are some of the notable newspapers from different times.

Early Newspapers (Before 1900s)

  • Anti-Slavery Herald (1838): This was the very first African American newspaper in Massachusetts. It was published in Boston and focused on ending slavery. Sadly, no copies of this newspaper still exist today. It was published by Benjamin F. Roberts.
  • The Boston Advocate (1885-1887?): This weekly newspaper was also published in Boston. It was created by W. Grandison and J.B. Powell, Jr.
  • The Hub (1883-1885?): Another weekly newspaper from Boston, edited by B.R. Wilson.
  • The Boston Courant (1890-1902): This weekly newspaper was published in Boston for over a decade.
  • The Woman's Era (1890-1897): This was a very special monthly newspaper from Boston. It was founded and edited by Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin. It was the first newspaper in the entire country made by and for African American women! In 1895, it became the official newspaper for the National Association of Colored Women.
  • Pine and Palm (1861-1862): This weekly newspaper was published in both Boston and New York. It encouraged African Americans to move to Haiti.
  • The Self Elevator (1853-1850s): Published twice a month in Boston by Benjamin F. Roberts, this newspaper aimed to help "general elevation among the Colored People of the country."

20th Century Newspapers

  • Boston Chronicle (1915-1966): This was a weekly newspaper in Boston that ran for over 50 years. In 1951, it had about 5,000 readers.
  • The Boston Colored Citizen (1903-1905?): A weekly newspaper from Boston, published by Charles Alexander.
  • Boston Reliance (1912-1910s): This weekly newspaper was published in both Boston and Cambridge. It was active until at least 1913.
  • The Guardian (1901-1960?): This very important weekly newspaper from Boston was edited by William Monroe Trotter until 1934, and then by Maude Trotter Stewart. It had a large number of readers, with about 10,000 in 1951.
  • Boston Times (1943-present): This weekly newspaper from Boston had a circulation of 12,000 in 1951.
  • Hartford-Springfield Chronicle (1940-1940s): A weekly newspaper published in Springfield.
  • Rebellion News (1960s-?): This monthly newspaper was published in Roxbury and was active until at least 1968.
  • Salt: Springfield Area Life and Times (1971-1973?): A weekly newspaper from Springfield that was published in both English and Spanish.
  • Struggle (1972?-?): A monthly newspaper from Boston.

Modern Newspapers (Late 20th Century to Today)

  • New England Black Weekly (1980-1982): A weekly newspaper published in Boston.
  • Urban Beat (1991?-?): A biweekly newspaper from Boston.
  • Haiti 2004 (1992?-?): This monthly newspaper from Brockton was written in French. It was created for the Haitian-American community.
  • Bay State Banner (1965-current): This is a very important weekly newspaper that is still published today. It started in Roxbury and later moved to Dorchester. You can visit its official website to read it.
  • The Bottom Line (1984?-?): A weekly newspaper from Springfield, published by Samuel R. Bass.

See also

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