List of African American newspapers in West Virginia facts for kids
African American newspapers were very important in the history of West Virginia. These newspapers were created by and for Black communities. They shared news, opinions, and stories that were often ignored by mainstream newspapers. They also helped people connect and work together for change.
The very first African American newspaper in West Virginia was The Pioneer Press. It started in Martinsburg in 1882. A man named J.R. Clifford founded it. The last one, the West Virginia Beacon Digest from Charleston, stopped publishing in 2006. These newspapers played a big role in keeping communities informed and united for over a century.
Important Newspapers in West Virginia
Many African American newspapers were published across West Virginia. Each one helped share important information and build community spirit. Here are some of the key newspapers and their stories.
Newspapers in Charleston
Charleston was home to several important African American newspapers. These papers helped shape public opinion and keep the community informed.
The Advocate
The Advocate was a weekly newspaper published in Charleston from 1901 to 1913. It was very popular. The newspaper claimed it reached "more colored readers than any newspaper in West Virginia." This shows how widely it was read and how important it was to the community.
West Virginia Beacon Digest
The West Virginia Beacon Digest was a weekly newspaper in Charleston. It started in 1957 and continued until 2006. This newspaper was especially important because it was the only African American newspaper in West Virginia during the 21st century. Stephen R. Starks published it for many years.
Other Charleston Papers
- West Virginia Weekly / The W. Va. Weekly was published from 1933 to 1935.
- West Virginia Digest was published from 1939 to 1946.
- West Virginia Enterprise began in 1885. It was founded by Christopher Payne, a notable figure in West Virginia history.
- Another newspaper called West Virginia Weekly was published from 1933 to 1935. Earl K. Kogar was its editor.
Newspapers in Other Cities
African American newspapers were not just in Charleston. They were published in many cities across West Virginia.
The Pioneer Press (Martinsburg)
The Pioneer Press was a weekly newspaper from Martinsburg. It was the first African American newspaper in West Virginia, starting in 1882. It stopped publishing in 1918. J.R. Clifford was its publisher and editor. He was also the first African American lawyer allowed to practice law in West Virginia. This newspaper was a voice for the community for many years.
The McDowell Times (Keystone)
The McDowell Times was a weekly newspaper from Keystone. It was published from 1904 to 1941. Matthew Thomas Whittico founded this newspaper. You can even find old copies of The McDowell Times online today!
Newspapers in Huntington
Huntington also had several African American newspapers:
- The Breeze was published in the 1920s. J.W. Scott edited and published it.
- Huntington Enterprise started in 1913. H. Rufus White was its editor.
- Huntington Times was a weekly newspaper that may have started around 1918. A.N. Johnson was its editor.
- West Virginia Spokesman began in 1900. C.H. Barnett founded it, and J.W. Scott edited it.
Newspapers in Bluefield
The Independent Observer was a weekly newspaper from Bluefield. In 1951, it had a circulation of 2,400 copies. This means 2,400 people or families read it each week.
Newspapers in Clarksburg
The Clarion was a weekly newspaper from Clarksburg. It started in 1911 and stopped publishing sometime between 1911 and 1914. T.L. Higgins was its editor.
Newspapers in Montgomery
Montgomery had two newspapers founded by Christopher Payne:
- The Mountain Eagle was a weekly newspaper published in the 1890s and early 1900s.
- The Pioneer was also a weekly newspaper from the 1890s and early 1900s.
See also
