This is certainly a time for shift, organization and action in the African American community, nation and world; but this moment is not completely unprecedented. We’ve been here before.
Yes, the president of the United States is attacking diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), members of the press, and threatening to revoke funding for teaching aspects of Black history—often called critical race theory. Indeed, some GOP leaders have waged war against immigrants, the LBTQIA+ community, “wokeness,” and anything that seems to challenge the foundations of white supremacy. And, without a doubt, many Washingtonians are walking on pins and needles during this second Trump administration, worrying about federal job furloughs, funding for the District and legislative attempts to take away D.C.’s Home Rule.
For those, like myself, born into a fairly progressive time in the United States and growing up in the Washington, D.C. area — when it was truly “Chocolate City”— it’s a seems like a wild, trying, divisive time.
But, having worked on the 60th anniversary special edition in great detail for the past few weeks, I can only imagine the challenges Dr. Calvin W. Rolark was facing when founding The Washington Informer, or what John B. Russworm and Samuel E. Cornish were battling when starting Freedom’s Journal in 1827.
Walking in the vision and legacy of Russworm and Cornish, I’ve always considered being a member of the Black Press as being a “freedom writer.” Though we’re journalists, and hope to tell stories truthfully and fairly, we also have a clear mission: uplifting African Americans and, truly all people, through our reporting that highlights the Black community.
Just as Russworm and Cornish wrote, “We wish to plead our cause. Too long others have spoken for us,” 198 years ago in the first edition of Freedom’s Journal on March 16, 1827, Dr. Rolark also stated his reasoning for starting The Washington Informer in the publication’s premier issue on October 16, 1964.
“In this bi-racial city all citizens should develop a greater awareness of the Negro’s rich heritage and his important role in making ours a greater national capital,” Rolark wrote. “It is our hope through the pages of The Washington Informer to bring about better understanding between different ethnic groups through valid and wholesome activities and programs to achieve these purposes.”
Dr. Rolark’s words offer a glimpse into the challenges that the District, nation and Black community faced in 1964. He was clearly weary of negative news about Black Washingtonians, and ready to tell the story of what he called “the total community.”
The Informer’s founder hoped to highlight the beauty and breadth of the Black experience in D.C., in hopes for cross-cultural understanding, racial progress and true equity in the District and worldwide.
The Washington Informer, and Black Press in general, preserves Black history and narratives, all the while strengthening society.
It’s not simply about relaying news, but in doing so working toward global peace and justice.
“In the spirit of candor and humility we intend by a simple representation of facts to lay our case [for] the [public], with a view to arrest the progress of prejudice, and to shield ourselves against the consequent evils,” Russworm and Cornish wrote nearly two centuries ago.
Resisting Racism, Uplifting Society Through Positive News
What a powerful legacy Russworm, Cornish, Rolark and countless other Black publishers have created. Continuing their work is not only important, but critical in these times.
From the very beginning of the Black Press, the hope was that it would continue forever.
“We wish to conciliate all and to irritate none,” the Freedom’s Journal publishers wrote in their first edition, “yet we must be firm and unwavering in our principles, and persevering in our efforts.”
I’m excited to help further Rolark’s hopes and vision for The Washington Informer. Understanding his mission for positive news as a means to resist racism and hatred, propels me as managing editor.
His famous 10 words, “If it is to be, it is up to me,” remain a guiding light for the work necessary to effect positive change and progress.
The Washington Informer will continue telling stories of the local activists, entrepreneurs, politicians, educators, artists, athletes, faith leaders, young people, organizations, programs and changemakers doing work to strengthen the world.
Dr. Rolark saw the value in positive Black representation as a means of contributing to justice work. By publishing stories that showcase Black ingenuity and achievements, he was truly countering the negative narratives often reported in mainstream media.
That work is still necessary today.
In an age where DEI, Black history and speaking out against hate is weaponized, The Washington Informer will continue doing what it’s always done, resisting racism through uplifting storytelling, and combating misinformation by reporting facts and highlighting those who speak truth to power.
While not all stories are easy, sometimes having to cover tragedies, disparities, and tough battles, The Informer is always sure to feature the people who are working to address issues and improve circumstances.
Despite the Black community grappling with multiple inequities and challenges, it’s empowering to have 198 years of the Black Press to serve as a blueprint to help address today’s trials with fortitude and fearlessness.
The work will continue and only further, through The Washington Informer’s multiple platforms, which are ever-evolving. From the website, social media, WIN-TV and weekly print publication— where it all started— The Informer will forever publish work that furthers the goal of elevating and empowering Black communities and strengthening all people.
Through the highlights, like the historic election of President Barack Obama, to the lowlights, such as the police-involved murder of George Floyd captured on video in broad daylight, The Informer will keep telling all stories about the Black community.
In doing so, the publication ensures that Black voices, contributions and efforts will be persevered, and available to offer insight and inspiration for future generations.
Current challenges prove that maintaining peace and justice does not happen with isolated movements, but sustained dedication to work that promotes those values.
The Washington Informer will continue unapologetically highlighting Black stories, printing reliable facts, and dedicating its work to bettering the nation’s capital, country and world.
As a lover of catchphrases, I remain motivated by another one of Dr. Rolark’s famous sayings as we continue his work and mission: “No one can save us, but us.”
Using his vision for The Informer as we look to the future, I’d like to add that no one can— or will— stop us.
In the spirit of the Black Press, The Washington Informer will continue to “plead our cause.”