List of African American newspapers in Oklahoma facts for kids
This article is about newspapers created by and for African Americans in Oklahoma. These newspapers have played a very important role in sharing news and ideas within Black communities. They helped people stay connected and informed, especially during times when mainstream newspapers often ignored or misrepresented Black voices.
The very first African American newspaper in Oklahoma was the Oklahoma Guide, which started in Oklahoma City in 1889. It was a monthly paper. Soon after, in 1891, The Langston City Herald became the first weekly African American newspaper in the state.
Many of these early newspapers were published in special all-Black towns that were created after the Land Run of 1889. These towns were places where Black families could build their own communities. For example, Langston City was a hub for newspapers, with eleven different papers published there between 1891 and 1913.
Today, important African American newspapers in Oklahoma include The Black Chronicle from Oklahoma City and The Oklahoma Eagle from Tulsa. They continue to serve their communities by providing news and a platform for discussion.
Contents
Why African American Newspapers Mattered
These newspapers were more than just news sources. They were vital for Black communities in Oklahoma. They helped share important information, celebrate achievements, and speak out against unfair treatment. They were a place where people could read stories and opinions that reflected their lives and experiences.
Early Newspapers and Their Impact
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many Black families moved to Oklahoma seeking new opportunities. They built their own towns and communities. Newspapers were a key part of these new beginnings. They helped organize communities, promote businesses, and even encourage more Black people to move to Oklahoma.
For example, The Langston City Herald was very important in the early days of Langston. It helped shape the town's identity and connect its residents.
Newspapers in All-Black Towns
Oklahoma had many all-Black towns, like Boley, Clear View, and Taft. Each of these towns often had its own newspaper. These papers were like the voice of the town. They reported on local events, school news, church activities, and the lives of the people.
- The Boley Progress, published in Boley from 1905 to 1926, was a weekly paper that helped keep the community informed. It even called Boley "the Largest Exclusive Negro Town in the World."
- The Clearview Tribune and The Lincoln Tribune served the community of Clearview in the early 1900s.
Newspapers in Larger Cities
As Oklahoma grew, so did its larger cities like Muskogee, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. These cities also had many important African American newspapers.
- Muskogee Cimeter was a well-known paper in Muskogee from 1899 to 1930. It was published by William Henry Twine for many years.
- In Oklahoma City, The Black Dispatch was a very influential weekly newspaper that ran from 1915 to 1982.
- The Tulsa Star was a significant newspaper in Tulsa. It started in 1913 and was published by A.J. Smitherman. Sadly, it stopped publishing after the terrible events of May 31, 1921, which greatly affected the Black community in Tulsa.
Modern African American Newspapers
Even today, African American newspapers continue to be important. They provide news and perspectives that might not be found in other media.
- The Black Chronicle in Oklahoma City started in 1979 and is still published weekly.
- The Oklahoma Eagle in Tulsa began around 1922 and is also still published weekly.
These newspapers are a vital part of Oklahoma's history and continue to serve their communities by keeping people informed and connected.
See also
- List of African American newspapers and media outlets
- List of African American newspapers in Colorado
- List of African American newspapers in Kansas
- List of African American newspapers in Missouri
- List of African American newspapers in New Mexico
- List of African American newspapers in Texas
- List of newspapers in Oklahoma
