The Afro-American Press and Its Editors facts for kids

Author, Irvine Garland Penn

Afro-American Press and Its Editors is a book written by Irvine Garland Penn in 1891. This book explores African-American newspapers and magazines published between 1827 and 1891. It covers many parts of journalism, including a special chapter about black female journalists. Penn believed that the black press was very important. He thought it helped show all Americans that black people deserved full citizenship rights.

Image of a newsboy from the book

This book is often seen as a key early work about African-American journalism. Experts like John Ernest have called Penn's book very complete and detailed. They say it formed the basis for many studies that came later. Penn also wrote the book to encourage black people to support black newspapers. Other important books that help us understand the early history of African American newspapers include Armistead S. Prides' A Register and History of Negro Newspapers in the United States: 1827–1950 and Warren Brown's Check List of Negro Newspapers in the United States (1827-1946).

Important Newspapers and Magazines

Penn's book talks about many different newspapers and magazines. These publications were very important for sharing news and ideas within the African-American community. Some of the well-known ones include:

• Freedom's Journal (published from 1827 to 1829)
• The Rights of All (published from 1829 to 1830)
• The Colored American (New York City) (which started as the Weekly Advocate, published from 1837 to 1842)
• The North Star (anti-slavery newspaper) (published from 1847 to 1865)