Effective next Friday, July 15, 2005, I will officially step down from my post as editor-in-chief of The Washington Informer. My resignation comes after a one-year tenure but over a year and a half of working with what I believe to be one of the greatest African American publications in the country.

I came to the newspaper in the midst of studying for the GREs in hopes of attending Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. At the time, it was my prayer that I would graduate with my Master’s degree by May 2005, enter a fast-paced newsroom and work vigorously until the day came that I would manage a publication of my own. Needless to say, plans changed.

I instead found myself in the Informer’s offices on November 11, 2003 (Veteran’s Day), meeting with Denise Rolark Barnes for the first time. I will never forget that day, as it proved to me that one individual, one conversation and one Great Craftsman in the midst of it all could forever alter a set course and spark something truly phenomenal.

I had no idea then who I was in the presence of and what I was walking into. But I know today that God blessed me with an opportunity of a lifetime, as I have sat amongst trailblazers and revolutionaries whose stories remain untold, as well as those who are hailed as living legends.

Nowhere else in the world and at no other publication could my byline have made front page one week for the celebration of a seven year ceasefire in “ Simple City” and the following week for an exclusive one-on-one interview with legendary comedian Bill Cosby. There were times when I found myself at a rally dressed in jeans and a t-shirt walking alongside one of our photographers by day but off to a gala in an evening gown and heels by night.

It is here that I have seen history in the making. Never will I forget seeing Marion Barry supporters celebrating with fried chicken and go-go music hours before the announcement was made that he had won with over 90% of the vote or turning on the TV in the Informer’s office to hear John Kerry concede to George W. Bush in the 2004 Election or walking through camps in Darfur at a time when it seemed suicidal to do so.

But is not the news that has sustained the paper; it is the people. It is the undying dream of a great man who lives on through his daughter. It is her determination and strength that galvanizes loyal workers to return year after year. It is the selfless servitude of veteran writers and photographers that do it for the sake of the community and the legacy of the paper.

I pray that this office forever be a meeting ground for pioneers and modern day freedom fighters. I also pray that the greater community never forgets their role in furthering the work of such great institutions as this one.

This has been an awesome journey, one that is by no means over, but for now, I must move towards the next chapter in my life in order to further the work that has been laid before me.

For Rahiel Tesfamariam please send email me to rahielt@stanfordalumni.org.