A viral NFL moment reminds America why the NNPA and the Black Press remain essential
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr.
JACKSONVILLE, FL — What began as a moment of humanity in a post-game press conference has erupted into a national media debate and in the process, has reminded America why the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and the Black Press of America remain indispensable guardians of truth, culture, and community.
Following the Jacksonville Jaguars’ season-ending playoff loss, veteran Black journalist Lynn Jones-Turpin, a respected local reporter with deep roots in the African American community, offered words of encouragement to head coach Liam Coen acknowledging a hard-fought season and urging resilience.
The moment went viral.
So did the criticism.
Some national commentators dismissed the exchange as “unprofessional,” exposing a familiar fault line between mainstream media norms and the community-centered journalism that has defined the Black Press for nearly 200 years.
Jones-Turpin’s response was simple and powerful:
“Support the Black Press.”
WHY THIS MOMENT MATTERS
This was never just about football.
It was about who defines journalism.
It was about whose humanity is allowed on the record.
And it was about why Black-owned media exists in the first place.
The Black Press was founded because mainstream outlets historically ignored, distorted, or diminished Black voices. From Freedom’s Journal in 1827 to today’s digital platforms, Black newspapers have told our stories with context, compassion, and courage not from the outside looking in, but from within the community.
That mission is carried forward today by the NNPA, representing more than 200 Black-owned newspapers nationwide, reaching millions of readers weekly through print and digital platforms including BlackPressUSA.
“The need for compassionate advocacy of the Black Press is as urgent now as it was upon its inception and we will not relinquish our responsibility to our community.”
— Bobby R. Henry, Sr., Former Chairman of the NNPA
COMMUNITY JOURNALISM IS NOT A FLAW — IT IS A FEATURE
For generations, Black journalists have understood something the mainstream press often forgets:
Objectivity does not require the absence of humanity.
When Black reporters cover schools, city halls, churches, police departments or even football teams they do so with lived experience and accountability to the people they serve. That perspective is not bias. It is truth with context.
The criticism aimed at Jones-Turpin mirrors a long-standing effort to police Black voices especially when they refuse to conform to narrow definitions of professionalism that exclude cultural understanding and community empathy.
The Black Press has never apologized for caring.
THE NNPA: STILL PLEADING OUR OWN CAUSE
Founded in 1940, the NNPA was created so Black publishers could pool strength, protect independence, and amplify national impact. Today, that mission is more urgent than ever as Black-owned media faces consolidation, digital disruption, and economic pressure.
Yet moments like this prove the Black Press is not obsolete it is essential.
When others reduce journalism to clicks and controversy, the Black Press remains rooted in truth, accountability, and uplift.
SUPPORT THE BLACK PRESS
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Because when the Black Press speaks, America listens even when it resists.
