The Washington bee., 1889-05-04
NEGRO JOURNALISM, ITS
UTILITY.

DoSC UblllZeU III JU0 ulEcCllOu vi
advancing the religion, civil and
political interests of those whose
necessities have called it into
being? And in what way has it
served to elevate and protect the
interest of its constituency?
To the first proposition answer
that negro journalists to be sue
cessful in their mission must have
the united and loyal support of
negroes themselves; that negro
editors and publishers must be
thoroughly in love with the work,
thoroughly in earnest in the pres
ecution Of it, and thoroughly alive
to the wants of their patrons. The
utility of six column folio print
ed on all four sides with stereotype
matter of remote origion is appar-
ent on its face. 1t makes the best
kind of wrapping paper, and is
useful when putting down carpets,
as protection to the carpet.
The successful negro journa
must have brains to direct and
guide its policy. 1t must not only
point to success, but lead the way.
The negro race in the United Stat
es is to-day but half emancipated.
Negro citizenship is the blacklist,
foulest lie that ever besmirched
the pages of the constitution. The
equality of opportunity for the
negro has never yet been accorded
him and never will be until negroes
themselves see the Importance and
great necessity OF presenting
solid front upon every question
which directly concerns the welfare
and upbuilding Of the race. And
negro journalism will never take
its proper place until negroes learn
the value of it, and recognize its
potency and utility. Personal jour
nalism has never yet made an editor
wealthy or popular and it never
will,
A public journal is supposed to
be a reflex of public opinion and
the man at the head of each. A
journal must understand the spirit
and temper Of its patrons, must
have an abundance of commo q
sense, pluck, and enterprise. He
must be an honest, conscientious
and consistent man. aggressive and
discreet. Upon the qualities of
head and heart depends the success
of any newspapers, Negro jour.
nalists are to-day doing as much
if not more for the amelioration of
the condition of the race in this
country than the clergy. They
make more sacrifices both of time
and money towards the uplifting of
the race. They are martyrs to their
efforts in the cause of truth, justice,
liberty, and patriotism. Though
laboring under disadvantages al,
most unheard of in the history of
journalism, it has accomplished
some good in this world for the
dispised race. 1t has learned to
howl vigorously, if not at all times
in unison, whenever the liberties of
the race have been in danger: In
calling attention to outrages
upon the manhood and womanhood
of the race, it has proved itself to
be faithful sentinel, and has Civ
en- the very best evidences of its
utility in way that can scarcely
be misunderstood. The custom has
obtained among a certain class OF
negroes, who have been dragged
from the depths of obscurity by
negro journals, of supporting the
papers published by white men in
preference to colored papers. This
class of negroes never see anything
good in a cOlored journal until
they need its services to advance
their personal ambition.
This country is full of negroes
both of high and low degree who
owe much Of their popularity and
greatness to the influence and
power of the colored press. The
opportunities Of the negro journal
are far better to day than ever
before. 1t is silently but surely
making its way to the front. 1t il
is fixture in this country. 1t is q
necessity and will continue to be
so "until the sun of righteousness
shall shine with equal rays uper
every man having equal rights
whether he be black or whether he
be white"
Negro journalism in the United
States asserts itself wherever intel
ligent men and women of any race
are to be found. 1t is vigorously
determinedly contending for iustic,
and equality of right for all men
and it cannot and will not be salts
fed with less. 1t is going to b,
heard, and the sneers of those wht
have bowed at its shrine canno
aud will not silence its voice.