Dear Editor
For Barbara A. Gordon, black history is more than recognition for a month; it has been her life. Ms. Gordon is the publisher of the Metro Courier. For over 30 years the Courier has been a voice for the Black community in the Augusta, Georgia metro area. As an African American publisher in the United States, Barbara A. Gordon has proudly carried the torch of the Black Press which was first illuminated in 1827.
On March 16, 1827, the Freedom’s Journal became the first African American owned and operated newspaper published in the United States. The purpose of the Journal was to inform and uplift the Black community. In 2017, the Metro Courier continues the tradition.
Not only is Barbara A. Gordon a publisher, but also a woman of faith who recognizes her spiritual purpose. She says, “I’m not here to win a popularity contest. I’m here to serve.” Jesus said, “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But, I am among you as one who serves.” As a publisher, Ms. Gordon has stood for what is right and served rather than sit at the table to gain power and wealth.
Moreover, as a female African American publisher, Barbara A. Gordon has carried on the tradition of Ida B. Wells. In the mid-1800s and early1900s, Ida B. Wells was an African American journalist and activist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States. As a publisher she became owner of the Memphis Free Speech newspaper. She once said, “I felt that one had better die fighting against injustice than die like a dog or rat in a trap.”
The same courageous spirit that possessed Ida B. Wells to crusade against lynching was the same spirit which possessed Barbara A. Gordon to hold local political and community leaders accountable for over 30 years. However, it is concern for everyday people which enabled her to be resilient, persevere, and to serve. Longevity has proven Barbara A. Gordon to be more than a Black newspaper publisher.
Barbara A. Gordon is Black History.
Kevin Palmer, Martinez, GA, (706) 231-1831
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