Metropolitan AME Church invites the community to join in honoring the legacy and impact of the Black Press in America at Black Press Sunday on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM. This special event will take place at Metropolitan AME Church, 1518 M St NW, Washington, DC 20005.
Held on the 198th anniversary of the founding of the nation’s first Black newspaper, Freedom’s Journal, Black Press Sunday will celebrate the vital role of Black media in shaping narratives, amplifying voices, and preserving history. The event will also recognize The Washington Informer’s 60th anniversary, marking six decades of dedicated service to informing, empowering, and uplifting the community throughout the D.C. area.
This momentous occasion is co-presented by The Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) and The Afro-American Newspapers, two esteemed institutions committed to championing Black voices in journalism and media.
“We are proud to gather at this historic church to celebrate the resilience and influence of the Black Press,” said Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher of The Washington Informer. “For nearly two centuries, Black newspapers have been at the forefront of truth-telling, advocacy, and community-building. As The Washington Informer marks 60 years of service, we reaffirm our commitment to keeping our readers informed, engaged, and empowered.”
Reverend William H. Lamar IV, pastor of Metropolitan AME Church, emphasized the significance of this commemoration, stating, “At such a time as this, when truth is under assault and the voices of the marginalized are often silenced, the Black Press remains a prophetic force for justice. The same faith that sustained Frederick Douglass and Ida B. Wells fuels our commitment today to speaking truth to power. Metropolitan AME Church is honored to host this sacred gathering, recognizing that our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs must continue to be told.”
The event will include reflections on the legacy of the Black Press, tributes to past and present Black journalists, and a call to action to support Black-owned media outlets.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Metropolitan AME Church, 1518 M St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Community members, journalists, media professionals, and supporters of the Black Press are encouraged to attend and celebrate this historic occasion.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Media Contact: Denise Rolark Barnes Publisher The Washington Informer drbarnes@washingtoninformer.com (202) 888-6834
About The Washington Informer
Founded in 1964 by Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, The Washington Informer is a multimedia news organization dedicated to providing positive news that educates, empowers, and informs readers throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
About Metropolitan AME Church
Established in 1838, Metropolitan AME Church is one of the most historic congregations in Washington, D.C., known for its legacy of activism, social justice, and commitment to Black empowerment.