The Facts (Seattle) facts for kids
Headquarters of The Facts Newspaper
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| Type | Weekly newspaper |
|---|---|
| Founder(s) | Fitzgerald Redd Beaver |
| Launched | September 7, 1961 |
| Headquarters | 1112 34th Avenue |
| City | Seattle |
| Country | United States |
| Circulation | 50,000 (as of 2022) |
| ISSN | 0427-8879 |
The Facts, also known as Seattle Facts, is a weekly newspaper for the African-American community in Seattle, Washington. It started on September 7, 1961. The newspaper's main office is in Seattle's Central District. Fitzgerald Redd Beaver founded The Facts. After his passing in 1992, his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Beaver, became the leader. Today, his children, Marla and LaVonne Beaver, are the publishers and editors. The Facts is part of the West Coast Black Publishers Association. It calls itself the "Voice of the Black Community."
Contents
About The Facts Newspaper
The Facts was the first newspaper in Seattle made for the African-American community. Now, it is one of three such newspapers in the area. It prints about 80,000 copies each week. These copies are given out in Seattle and nearby places. The newspaper is published every Wednesday.
Why The Facts Was Started
Fitzgerald Redd Beaver started The Facts because he wanted a new job. He also wanted to make a difference in his community. He saw a need for news that focused on the African-American population in Seattle. The newspaper aimed to share information important to this community. It also helped people understand what was happening in the Northwest.
Journalists and Other Newspapers
The Facts hired many talented Black journalists. Some of these journalists later left to start their own newspapers. Examples include The Seattle Medium and The Skanner. These new papers also serve the Black community in the Northwest.
Who Was Fitzgerald Redd Beaver?
Fitzgerald Redd Beaver (1922-1992) was the founder of The Facts newspaper. He was born on January 18, 1922, in Martinsville, Virginia. After high school, he went to North Carolina A&T College. He did not finish college, but he had many interesting jobs.
Beaver's Career Path
Before moving to the Northwest, he worked for the U.S. Army. He was also a railroad porter and worked at a radio station. His time at the radio station sparked his love for public relations and journalism. He became known as "Eager Beaver" on his radio show. This fame led him to manage a Black-owned radio station in the Northwest. Soon after, he founded The Facts.
Community Involvement
Fitzgerald Redd Beaver cared deeply about his community. He was the president of the Boys and Girls Club. He also helped create a golf club mainly for African Americans. He worked with the government to help minorities find jobs. He spent his life working to improve things for others.
Competition Among Newspapers
In Seattle, there are three main newspapers for the African-American community. These are The Seattle Medium, The Skanner, and The Facts. People sometimes wonder if Seattle's African-American population is big enough for all three.
Friendly Rivals
Interestingly, Fitzgerald Redd Beaver helped his competitors, Chris Bennett and Ernie Foster, start their own newspapers. To make The Facts stand out, Redd Beaver gave his newspaper a special pink color. This made it easy to spot!
How Newspapers Make Money
Both The Skanner and The Facts are free newspapers. They earn money from advertisements. The Seattle Medium costs a small amount, about 25 cents per paper.
Community Connection
The Facts newspaper helps share important information. It also highlights needs in the community. The newspaper helps people in Seattle understand how changes can happen. It also points out issues that need more attention.
Supporting the Community
The Facts focuses on the African-American community. It shows how this group can help Seattle grow and develop. The newspaper works to make sure everyone's voice is heard. It helps break down barriers that stop people from getting involved in city matters.
