List of African American newspapers in Texas Facts for Kids

African American newspapers in Texas have a long and important history. These newspapers were created to share news and stories that were often ignored by mainstream newspapers. They played a big role in informing, uniting, and empowering African American communities across the state. The first of these newspapers in Texas, The Free Man's Press, started publishing in 1868, right after the Civil War.

Today, many African American newspapers are still published in Texas, including several in big cities like Houston and Dallas. They continue to be vital sources of information and community voice.

A Look at Texas's African American Newspapers
- Early Newspapers and Their Impact
- Newspapers by City
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A Look at Texas's African American Newspapers

This section explores some of the many African American newspapers that have been published in Texas, both in the past and those still active today.

Early Newspapers and Their Impact

The very first African American newspaper in Texas was The Free Man's Press, which began in 1868. It was published in Austin and later in Galveston. This newspaper was a weekly publication and was edited by Melving C. Keith. It helped share important news and ideas during a time of great change for newly freed people.

Another early paper was The Gold Dollar, started in Austin in 1876 by Jacob Fontaine. These early newspapers were crucial for sharing information and building community after the Civil War.

Newspapers by City

Austin Newspapers

Austin has been home to many African American newspapers over the years.

Capital City Argus (1962-1980s): This weekly paper was published by Arthur Sims. It later merged with another paper to become Capital City Argus and Interracial Review.
The Herald (1891-1892): Also known as The Sunday School Herald, this weekly paper was published by the Education Board of the General Baptist Convention of Texas.
Austin Mirror (1958-1900s): This weekly paper was published by Walter McBride and edited by Dora H. Moore.
Nokoa : The Observer (1987-2019): This weekly newspaper was founded and run by Akwasi Evans.
Austin Searchlight (1896-?): This weekly paper was published and edited by William P. Mabson.
Austin Sun (1992-?): Published weekly by Dorris Ellis.
Texas Interracial Review (1941-1962): This monthly paper, published by Mason Smith, started in Austin and later moved to Waco. It eventually joined with the Capital City Argus.
The Tribune (1970-?): A weekly newspaper in Austin.
The Villager (1973-current): This is a current weekly newspaper, edited and published by Tommy L. Wyatt. You can visit its official website.

Dallas Newspapers

Dallas has also had a rich history of African American newspapers.

The Dallas Express (1893-1970): This was a very important weekly newspaper. It even celebrated military honors for soldiers of the 92nd Infantry Division on its front page in 1919. You can find old issues of this paper online.
Elite News (1968-?): A biweekly paper published by William Blair Jr.
Dallas Gazette (1913-?): This weekly paper was published by J.H. Owens and Company.
Dallas Independent Press (1969-?): A weekly paper published by R.R. Fagan and edited by Don L. Fagan.
The Item (1891-1900): This weekly paper was published by J.G. Griffin and Ellis Willis.
Dallas Post Tribune (1950-current): This is a current weekly newspaper, also known as The Dallas Star Post. It has an official website.
The Dallas Weekly (1954-current): Another current weekly newspaper, published by James A. Washington. It also has an official website.

Fort Worth Newspapers

Fort Worth also contributed to the landscape of African American journalism.

The Texas Times (1977-1993): This was a daily newspaper published by Woodie Webber.
Fort Worth Mind (1943-1944): A weekly newspaper.
The Torchlight Appeal (1886-1800s): An early weekly newspaper.

Galveston Newspapers

Galveston, being an important port city, also had several African American newspapers.

The Galveston Banner (1925-1937): A weekly newspaper.
City Times (1898-1927): This weekly paper was edited by William H. Noble, Jr.
The Colored American (1920-?): Also called The Colored American: A Defender of the Race, this was a weekly paper.
Galveston Examiner (1938-1940): A weekly newspaper.
Freeman’s Journal (1887-1891): This weekly paper was also known as The Freeman’s Press.
The Galveston New Idea (1896-1920): A weekly newspaper.
The Galveston Voice (1931-1962): This weekly paper was published by C. W. Rice.

Houston Newspapers

Houston has a strong tradition of African American newspapers, with several still publishing today.

African-American News and Issues (1996-current): This is a current weekly newspaper with a large circulation.
The Houston Call (1970-?): A weekly newspaper.
Houston Defender (1930-current): This is a current weekly newspaper with an official website.
Forward Times (1960-current): Another current weekly newspaper, published by Julius Carter, with an official website.
The Independent (1898-1905): This weekly paper was published by Crawford and Osborne.
Informer and Texas Freeman (1919-?): Also known as The Houston Informer, this weekly paper was published and edited by George McElroy.
The Negro Labor News (1930-?): This weekly paper was the official publication of the Texas Negro Business and Laboring Men's Association.
The Houston Sun (1982-current): This is a current weekly newspaper with an official website.
USAfrica Weekend (1997-?): This monthly newspaper was published by Chido Nwangwu and aimed to connect African, Caribbean, African American, and American communities.
The Western Star (1881 or 1893-1932): An important historical weekly newspaper.

Lubbock Newspapers

Lubbock also had its share of community newspapers.

Lubbock Digest (1977-1982): A biweekly paper.
The Manhattan Heights And West Texas Times (1961-1960s): This weekly paper later changed its name in 1965.
Southwest Digest (1982-current): This is a current weekly newspaper.

San Antonio Newspapers

San Antonio also had newspapers serving its African American community.

San Antonio Informer (1988 or 1944-?): This weekly paper was published and edited by Tommy L. Moore.
San Antonio Inquirer (1906-?): This weekly paper was published by G.W. Bouldin.

Other Texas Cities

Many other cities across Texas also had their own African American newspapers, showing how important these publications were to communities everywhere.

Bryan: Silhouette (1900s-?), a bimonthly newspaper.
Corpus Christi: Corpus Christi Weekly (1960-?), a weekly paper edited by Reynell Parkins.
Corsicana: Oil City Afro-American (1898-1901), a weekly newspaper.
Denison: The Gate City Bulletin (1913-?), a weekly paper published by Owens Publishing Co.
Gonzales: The Conservative Counselor (1909-1900s), a weekly paper and the "Official organ of the Mt. Zion Sunday School Convention."
Longview: The New Southern Times (1996-?), a biweekly paper published and edited by Mitch Mitchell.
Prairie View: Prairie View City News (1969-?), a biweekly paper published and edited by F.G. Fry.
Richardson: African News Watch (1996-?), a monthly paper edited by Donald Ugwu.
Taylor: Shining Star (1959-?), a weekly paper published by Cabins Publishing Company.
Temple: The Apostolic Bulletin (1918-?).
Texarkana: Texarcana Courier (1977-?), a weekly paper published by Elridge Robertson.
Tyler: The Tyler Leader (1900s-?), a weekly newspaper.
Waco: Cen-Tex Reflections (1984-?), a weekly paper. Waco Good News (1880-?), a weekly paper. The Waco Messenger (1932-?), a weekly paper. Paul Quinn Weekly (1900-1916), a weekly paper published by Paul Quinn College.
Washington: Prince Hall Masonic Digest (1973-?), a quarterly publication.

Images for kids

Front page of The Free Man's Press from August 1, 1868.
Front page of The Dallas Express from January 11, 1919, celebrating the award of military honors to soldiers of the 92nd Infantry Division.

List of African American newspapers in Texas facts for kids

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