List of African American newspapers in Washington, D.C. facts for kids

Inaugural issue of the New Era, January 13, 1870.

Issue of The Washington Bee from 1886.

Former headquarters of the Washington Afro-American in the Fourteenth Street Historic District.

Washington Informer vending box in 2018.

This article lists newspapers created by and for African Americans in Washington, D.C.. It includes both newspapers that are still publishing today and those from the past.

Before the American Civil War (1861-1865), Washington had newspapers that spoke out against slavery. However, the very first newspaper known to be published by and for African Americans in D.C. was the New Era. Famous leader Frederick Douglass started this newspaper in 1870.

Today, some well-known African American newspapers in Washington include the Washington Afro-American and the Washington Informer.

African American Newspapers in Washington, D.C.

Newspapers You Can Read Today

The Washington Afro-American

The Washington Afro-American is a weekly newspaper that started in 1932 or 1937. It is still being published today. This newspaper is the Washington edition of the Baltimore Afro-American. You can find its official website and a free online archive of past issues.

The Washington Informer

The Washington Informer is another important weekly newspaper for the African American community in Washington, D.C. It began publishing in 1964 and is still active today.

A Look Back: Early Newspapers

The New Era

As mentioned, the New Era was a very important newspaper. It was launched by Frederick Douglass in 1870 and published weekly. It stopped publishing in 1873.

The Washington Bee

The Washington Bee was a weekly newspaper that started in 1882. For its first two years, it was simply called The Bee. This newspaper was published until 1922. You can find many of its past issues available to read online.

The Colored American

The Colored American was a weekly newspaper published from 1893 to 1904. It was published by Edward Elder Cooper. Many of its issues are available online.

The Grit

The Grit was a weekly newspaper that was published for a short time, from 1883 to 1884. It was published by W.B. Avery.

The Exodus

The Exodus was a weekly newspaper that started in 1880. It was published by J.D. Bagwell and G.W. Hardmond.

Other Important Newspapers

The Anacostia Grapevine

The Anacostia Grapevine was a monthly newspaper that began in 1991. It was edited by Qevin Q. Weathersby.

Black Land News

Black Land News was a bimonthly newspaper that likely started around 1971.

Black Networking News

Black Networking News was a monthly newspaper that began in 1989. Donald Temple published it.

The Capital Spotlight

The Capital Spotlight started in 1954 and was a weekly newspaper. It called itself “Washington’s Oldest Black Weekly Newspaper.” It was still publishing in 1997.

Capital Times

Capital Times was a weekly newspaper that began in 1948 and was published at least until 1950.

The Washington City Tribune

The Washington City Tribune was a weekly newspaper that likely started around 1964.

The Columbia Sentinel

The Columbia Sentinel was a weekly newspaper that began in 1896. It was connected to the Republican Party.

The Common Denominator

The Common Denominator was a biweekly newspaper published from 1998 to 2006. It was known as "Washington's Independent Hometown Newspaper."

The Commoner

The Commoner was a weekly newspaper that was published for a short time in 1875. George W. Williams edited it.

The Communicator

The Communicator was a bimonthly newspaper that likely started around 1974. It was published by Howard University.

Washington Daily American

The Washington Daily American was a daily newspaper (except Sundays) published from about 1918 to 1925. Eugene Davidson edited it, and it was called the “Oldest Colored Daily in the United States.”

Washington Daily Sun

The Washington Daily Sun was a daily newspaper that likely started around 1968. It was published by Eugene M. Gardner and called itself “Washington’s only daily Black newspaper.” It was still publishing in 1969.

Washington Eagle News

Washington Eagle News was a bimonthly or monthly newspaper that started in 1993 or 1994. It was still publishing in 1997.

Washington Eagle: National Negro Weekly

The Washington Eagle: National Negro Weekly was a weekly newspaper that likely started around 1913. It was still publishing in 1927.

Washington Gaily News

The Washington Gaily News was a weekly newspaper that likely started around 1931. It was described as a guide to "fads and follies" and a "social and pleasure guide." It was still publishing in 1958.

Grass Roots News

Grass Roots News was a monthly newspaper published in the 1970s, ending in 1974.

African American press