List of African American newspapers in Mississippi facts for kids
This article is about the history of African American newspapers in Mississippi. These newspapers were super important because they shared news, ideas, and stories from the Black community, often when other newspapers didn't. They helped people stay connected and fight for their rights.
The very first African American newspaper in Mississippi was the Colored Citizen, started in 1867. Can you believe that over 70 Black newspapers were created in Mississippi between 1867 and 1899? They popped up in at least 37 different towns! After 1900, many more were started, but they tended to be in bigger cities.
Today, the Jackson Advocate is the oldest African American newspaper in Mississippi that is still being published. Also, the Mississippi Link was one of the first Black newspapers to be easily found on the internet.
Contents
Why Were These Newspapers Important?
These newspapers were more than just news sources. They were a voice for the African American community during times when their stories and opinions were often ignored or misrepresented by mainstream media.
Sharing News and Information
They reported on local and national events that mattered to Black communities. This included news about schools, churches, businesses, and community events. They also shared important information about voting rights, education, and social justice.
Fighting for Civil Rights
Many of these newspapers played a big role in the civil rights movement. They spoke out against unfair laws and practices, like segregation and discrimination. They encouraged people to stand up for their rights and work for a better future. For example, the Mississippi Free Press in Jackson was known for being brave and speaking out against the powerful people who controlled things.
Building Community Spirit
These papers helped build a strong sense of community. They featured stories about local heroes, achievements, and struggles. They gave people a platform to share their thoughts and connect with others who shared similar experiences.
Notable African American Newspapers in Mississippi
Many towns in Mississippi had their own African American newspapers. Here are some examples of these important publications:
Newspapers from Different Cities
Brandon
- The Free State: This weekly newspaper was published from 1898 to 1904. E.H. Johnson was its editor.
Brookhaven
- People's Relief: Published around the early 1900s, this paper was edited by Eugene N. Bryant. He was actually forced to leave Brookhaven because of his strong political views!
Canton
- Canton Citizen: This paper started in 1869.
Cary
- The Weekly Negro World: Published weekly in the 1890s and early 1900s. You can even find some old copies online!
Clarksdale
- Tutwiler Whirlwind: This paper started in 1979 and was edited by J.D. Rayford.
Columbia
- Brotherhood: This newspaper began in 1976.
Fayette
- Jefferson County Chronicle: A weekly paper published from 1986 to 1992.
Greenville
- The Delta Farmer’s Digest: This weekly paper started in 1939.
- The Delta Leader (also known as Greenville Leader): Published weekly starting around 1929 or 1930.
- The Delta Lighthouse: A weekly paper published from 1896 to the 1920s or 1930. J.C. Chapple was its editor for many years.
- Mississippi Freelance: This monthly newspaper was published from 1969 to 1970. It was unique because each issue used a different color of paper!
- Mississippi News: Started in 1974 by Katie M. Johnson and David Johnson.
- Mississippiana: Published in the 1900s, attested in 1942.
- Negro Leader: Founded in 1962 by Albert Jenkins.
- The Voice Of SHIMPH: A monthly newspaper from 1975 to the 1900s.
- The Zion Harp: Published twice a month from 1896 to 1910.
Greenwood
- The Baptist Observer: A monthly paper, likely started around 1960. It was published by the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Mississippi.
Hattiesburg
- Hub City Community News: A weekly newspaper published from 1984 to 1987 by Eddie Taylor.
- The Union Messenger: This bi-monthly newspaper started in 1934.
Holly Springs
- Mississippi Oddfellow: A weekly paper, likely started around 1908. It was edited by E.H. McKissak.
Jackson
- Jackson Advocate: This is a very important weekly newspaper that started in 1938 or 1939 and is still being published today! You can find its official website and old copies online.
- Colored Citizen: Started in 1870 by James J. Spelman and James D. Lynch.
- The Drummer (also known as The Drummer: Mississippi’s Black Community Newspaper): A weekly paper that began in 1971.
- Eagle Eye: Published from 1944 to around 1967. It was known as a "radical journal of resistance" during the 1950s.
- The Mississippi Enterprise: A weekly newspaper that started in 1938 or 1939. You can find old copies online.
- Mississippi Free Press: This weekly paper, published from 1961 to 1964, was very important during the civil rights movement. It bravely spoke out against the powerful people in charge.
- Highlighter: Founded in 1975 by Gene L. Mosley.
- Mississippi Independent: A biweekly paper published around 1967.
- The Mississippi Link: This biweekly newspaper started in 1993 and is still being published today! It was one of the first Black publications to be widely available online.
- The Messenger: A weekly paper from the 1800s.
- Metropolitan Observer: Founded in 1976 by Lee Dilworth.
- The New African: A bi-monthly newspaper from the 1900s, founded by Imari Obadele.
- People's Journal (also known as People's Advisor and People's Defender): Published from 1877 to around 1882.
- Mississippi Weekly: A weekly paper from the 1930s.
- Jackson Field Hand: Likely started around 1870.
- Weekly Communicator: Founded in 1975 by James H. Meredith and Louis Armstrong.
Laurel
- Voice Of The People: A weekly paper from the 1900s. Old copies are available online.
McComb
- Freedom's Journal: A weekly paper that started in 1964, edited by Barbara JoAnn Lea.
Meridian
- The Echo: This paper had two runs, one from 1923 to 1931, and another from 1942 to 1960.
- Mississippi Memo Digest: A weekly paper that started in 1968.
- The Weekly Echo (also known as Daily Echo): A weekly paper published from 1931 to 1942.
Moss Point
- Pas-Point Journal: Founded in 1976 by Bernard Barnes and E.V. Cole.
Mound Bayou
- Demonstrator: A weekly paper published from 1900 to around 1925. It had a circulation of 4,000 copies in 1912!
- Mound Bayou News-Digest: A biweekly paper from the 1900s.
- The Mound Bayou Sentinel: Published twice a month starting in 1952.
- The Southern Advocate: A weekly paper that started in 1933. You can find old copies online.
- The Taborian Star: A bi-monthly paper, likely started around 1923.
- The Voice: A monthly newspaper from the 1900s.
Natchez
- Bluff City Bulletin: A weekly paper published from 1961 to 1966.
- Bluff City Post: This paper started in 1978 and is still being published today! It was founded by William H. Terrell and Theo C. Johnson.
- Natchez News Leader: A weekly paper published from 1971 to around 1983.
- Weekly Reporter: Published from 1909 to the 1930s. It may have printed up to 1500 copies per issue!
New Albany
- The Community Citizen: Published twice a month in the 1900s. Old copies are available online.
Senatobia
- The Baptist Herald: A weekly paper from the 1880s.
Vicksburg
- Vicksburg Citizens' Appeal: A biweekly paper published from 1964 to 1967.
- Colored Citizen: This was the very first African American newspaper in Mississippi, founded in 1867 by Henry Mason.
- The Golden Rule: A weekly paper published from 1898 to 1902. You can see an old issue in the picture at the top of this article!
- The Light: A weekly paper published from 1891 to the 1900s.
- The New Times: A monthly paper, likely started around 1993.
Yazoo City
- Afro-American Courier: A bi-monthly newspaper published from 1926 to around 1957. Old copies are available online.
- Century Voice (also known as The Century Voice): A bi-monthly or monthly newspaper that started in 1942. It was edited by T.J. Huddleston, Jr.
See also
