List of African American newspapers in Oregon facts for kids

African American newspapers have played a super important role in Oregon's history, especially in Portland. These newspapers were like a voice for the Black community, sharing news, stories, and ideas that were often missed by other newspapers. They helped people stay connected, learn about important events, and fight for fairness and equality.

The very first Black newspaper in Oregon was The New Age, which started way back in 1896. Today, newspapers like The Observer and The Skanner continue this important tradition, keeping the community informed and strong.

Historic African American Newspapers in Portland

Many Black newspapers have been published in Portland over the years. They helped share news and opinions important to the community. Here are some of them:

Early 20th Century Voices

• The Advocate (1903–1937): This weekly newspaper was started by McCants Stewart and Edward Cannady. Edward Cannady edited it for many years, and then Beatrice Morrow Cannady took over. It was a very important paper for the community for over 30 years.
• The New Age / Portland New Age (1896 or 1899–1907): This was one of the earliest Black newspapers in Oregon. It was published weekly by Adolphus D. Griffin. It even shared local news from other cities like Walla Walla, Washington, and Great Falls, Montana.
• Observer (1901?–1903): This was another early weekly newspaper published in Portland.
• The Portland Times (1909 or 1918–1923 or 1924): Founded by William J. McLemore, this weekly paper helped keep the community informed.

Mid-20th Century News and Views

During the middle of the 20th century, many new Black newspapers started up, reflecting the changing times and the growing community.

• Advocate Register (1943–1951): This weekly paper was published by Oliver E. Smith. He had to stop publishing it when he took a job with the government because of a law called the Hatch Act.
• Portland Challenger (1952–1954): William Hilliard started this weekly or biweekly paper. He also worked for The Oregonian at the same time.
• Clarion Defender (1953 or 1965 or 1966–1973?): This weekly newspaper was an important voice in the community for many years.
• Portland Inquirer (1944–1946): Edited by Ralph H. Faulk, this weekly paper provided news and information.
• Oregon Mirror (1959–1962?): Published weekly by J. Marcus Wellington, III, this paper was active for a few years.
• Northwest Clarion (1943 or 1944–1961): Arthur and Etoile Cox published this weekly newspaper.
• Northwest Defender (1962–1965): Founded by Jimmy "Bang-Bang" Walker, this weekly paper later joined with the Northwest Clarion to become the Clarion Defender.
• The Observer / Portland Observer / People's Observer (1938–1950?): This paper was published by William H. McClendon. It changed names and publication times over the years, from weekly to monthly.
• The Pacific Dispatch (1946–1947): This paper was published in both Seattle and Portland for a short time.

Later 20th Century and Today

• The Oregon Advance Times (1968): This weekly newspaper was published for a short time.
• The Portland Advocate (1981): This monthly newspaper was published by the National Black United Front.
• The Newspaper / Albina Newspaper (1969–?): This biweekly paper served the Albina District in Portland.
• The Portland Observer (1970–current): This is a very important weekly newspaper that is still being published today! It's a key source of news for the Black community in Portland.
• The Skanner (1975–current): This weekly newspaper is also still going strong! It became an online-only newspaper in 2014, showing how newspapers have changed with technology.

See also

• List of African American newspapers and media outlets
• List of African American newspapers in California
• List of African American newspapers in Nevada
• List of African American newspapers in Washington (state)
• List of newspapers in Oregon

Images for kids

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  Front page of the November 25, 1899 issue of The New Age.