The Enterprise. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 192?-1930, 1928-05-17
Our Newspaper

The advance of our newspapers in
the last 10 years is nothing short of
wonder. Many of us remember when
the colored newspaper was laughed
at among ourselves, as something be-
tween a joke and a misfit. News
printed in the little two by four
sheets were confined to matters per-
tanning strictly to church and lodge
notes and certain would-be society
affairs on the locality. The editor
ials were mostly bought-and-paidfo for
write-ups for this or that would be
prominent parsonage, and were most
" the Chunk" Small four page
sheets, poorly printed upon the very
cheapest sort of paper, their appear
ance excited derision among those
who should have sympathized with
and encouraged the efforts. Most
of their advertising matter consisted
of chair straightener, face whiten-
ing lotion" and other connections cal
culated to give one the impression
that all the colored people were SIT
ting up all night trying to turn
white" A few of them still are so
limited in their offerings. The pa
pers were usually denominated "tri-
weeklies" because they missed about
every third issue, and you never
knew whether it was coming out next
week or not. Patent insides were the
most prominent feature, and the ed
itor and owner usually bought his
papers already printed on the two in
side pages, and he never knew what
was in it until he received it.
TO-DAY the Negro newspaper is
a POWER. 1t is read everywhere in
the whole world. Perhaps the Negro
owned press of the West Indies has
the greatest influence, because it
serves the general public of the coun.
try instead of as here the colored
population only. The appearance of
a Negro paper rivals that of the
best white publications, and while
editorially still somewhat weakly, car
ries all the more important items and
| news matter relating to the race and
its progress. No family life is COM
plete today without a Negro news
paper. It's coming is eagerly await
ed and 1t is read from beginning to
end every issue.
The people are not as yet suffic-
iently accustomed to Negro news
papers. although MANY whites both
/ subscribe and read them. News,
notices and other announcements are
still given out at the churches. Also
they do not understand why the
editor should print anything with
| which they do not agree. Some.
times they believe that he should
take up their personal quarells, If ne
happens to be a personal friend, II
he does not they Immediately cancel
! their subscriptions, or refuse to paw
Well merited and constructive crit
h icism is another item we do not
understand. The editor must not
criticise us, he must praise us and
never speak a good word for those
whom we dislike. Answering CON-
munications is a thing we do not
understand. When some one writes
I the editor letter upon some matter
we don't like, we flay the editor out
side round the corner, but seldom
/ ever try to sit down and answer in
L tellipently. But more and more i'm
movements are noted both in the
Negro papers and their clientele
We are coming to recognize that the
Negro Press is the one thing the South
hates and fears. 1t is our best wea.
pom of defense and offense, and
should be literally supported.
A Citizens Meeting under the aus.
pices of the Christian Mutual Aic
and Burial Society will be held or
Wednesday, May 30th, P. M. al
Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Sunday night, May 9th, Rev. M
Stovall will preach the annual ser
mon of the Cassia Lodge No. 5, F
& A. NJ. and o. +. S. at Bethlehem
Baptist Church.
Notice the advertisement of Broad
way Drug Company in this issue anC
mention The Enterprise when yoU
stop to make your purchase.
Mrs. Frederick Bruce is reported
i'll.
Mr.. Parker, father of Mrs. CASTOR
is recovering at the county hospita
and will be able to remove to hi
home in a few DAYS.