A Message From The Publisher
PART 1 OF A 2 PART SERIES
By Bobby R. Henry, Sr
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has long been a symbol of advocacy, unity, and empowerment for Black Americans. As I reflect on my experiences at the CBC, I look upon the opportunity I had to represent the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) at my first official full Board meeting as the newly elected Chairman of this great association. I reflect on the rich impactful history of both these two organizations as well as many of those that were represented. It was an honor to be part of this annual gathering, and I am delighted to share some of my journey with you.
To be able to lead this great organization is an honor and a privilege that I don’t take lightly. 240 Black owned newspapers with a reach of more than 19 million readers on a weekly basis says that we’re more than a weekly reader. The Black Press has come a long way, and we still have a long way to go. Our newspapers are motherboards that our aspiring Publishers will use to spring us into new technology and allow us to continue to be a force to be reckoned with. What I realize is that the younger leaders of our organizations (outside of the NNPA) are not familiar with the history, legacy, and POWER of our Black newspapers.
I also realize that those who are in leadership who are knowledgeable and those who respect the Black Press are sharing the same message and that message is “we need the Black Press now more than ever to tell our stories and write the truth of our narratives”.
Having the opportunity to be on stage with our own history maker and President/CEO, Dr. Benjamin Franklin Chavis Jr., to present our National Leadership Awards to deserving individuals, was a moment of great joy.
In a pack room of over 2500 people to pay homage to the deserving awardees spoke volumes to the respect that people have for the NNPA.
As members of the NNPA and THE BLACK PRESS OF AMERICA, we are ROOTED IN HOPE AND DETERMINATION that provide platforms to recognize those who have shown exceptional leadership, love for our communities and the willingness to serve unselfishly,
We remain committed in the spirit of TEAMM: Together, Each Accomplishes, Much More as we continue to amplify the voices that represent the least, the lost, the left out and the Disenfranchised.
A Celebration of Black Excellence
The Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference is more than just a conference; it is a celebration of Black excellence.
STAY TUNED IN NEXT WEEK FOR PART TWO
Photos from the Leadership Awards and NNPA Board Meeting below.
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