‍blackVOICESnow Newsletter — Issue #2

Medium Article — “blackVOICESnow follows in the footsteps of the historic "Freedom's Journal”

Both the Freedom’s Journal (1827) and blackVOICESnow (2024) were created to give Black voices a platform, counter mainstream narratives, and empower communities through media. While they emerged in different historical contexts, their missions share strong parallels in advocating for African American perspectives, fostering dialogue, and challenging dominant narratives.

The Spark Behind Their Creation

Freedom’s Journal (1827): Sparked by the need to combat racist portrayals of Black people in mainstream newspapers, it was the first Black-owned newspaper in the U.S. It provided African Americans with a voice in a society that often silenced them, particularly in discussions about slavery, discrimination, and Black achievements.

blackVOICESnow (2024): Created in response to the underrepresentation of Black and Brown perspectives in mainstream media and public discourse, blackVOICESnow serves as a platform for thought leaders, educators, and community members to share TED-like talks on issues affecting Black and Brown communities. It was also formed as a reaction to limited opportunities for marginalized voices to be heard on major speaking platforms.

The Importance of Formation

Freedom’s Journal: The newspaper was crucial for the early 19th-century Black community, as it was one of the few ways African Americans could publicly express their opinions, advocate for their rights, and stay informed about racial and social issues. It was a pioneering act of media independence.

blackVOICESnow: In the 21st century, while social media and digital platforms have made it easier to share voices, systemic barriers still limit Black and Brown perspectives in mainstream intellectual and academic spaces. blackVOICESnow seeks to amplify these voices by curating, vetting, and presenting important discussions on race, identity, and community issues in a structured format.

Who Were the Original Contributors?

Freedom’s Journal: Founded by John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish, it attracted Black intellectuals, ministers, and educators who wrote about civil rights, abolitionism, literacy, and community development.

blackVOICESnow: Created under the ownership of Sankofa Innovations LLC, it features a curated selection of thought leaders, academics, and community members who record 13–15 minute talks on relevant social, political, and cultural topics. It provides a structured way for diverse Black voices to reach broader audiences.

The Medium and Reach

Freedom’s Journal: A print newspaper distributed mainly in the North, reaching free Black communities and some abolitionist allies. It laid the foundation for future Black newspapers like The North Star (Frederick Douglass).

blackVOICESnow: A digital-first platform utilizing YouTube and social media, allowing for a global reach. Unlike a print publication, it leverages video storytelling, making it accessible to younger and tech-savvy audiences.

Legacy and Impact

Freedom’s Journal: Though it lasted only two years, it inspired a long tradition of Black-owned media that shaped movements like abolition, Reconstruction-era activism, and the Civil Rights Movement.

blackVOICESnow: Positioned to create a lasting digital archive of Black thought leadership, fostering discussions that can influence policy, education, and community engagement in a modern context.

Conclusion

Freedom’s Journal and blackVOICESnow were born out of the necessity to amplify Black voices in spaces that were either misrepresented or ignored. While Freedom’s Journal used the power of print journalism in the 19th century, blackVOICESnow uses digital media in the 21st century. Both serve as vital platforms for Black empowerment, storytelling, and advocacy — continuing the tradition of independent Black media shaping public discourse.

One of the most powerful and meaningful quotes from the first issue of Freedom’s Journal (March 16, 1827) is:

“We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” (Link)

This statement, written by founders Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm, powerfully captures the newspaper’s mission — asserting that African Americans must have control over their own narratives rather than allowing others to define them. It remains a timeless declaration of self-representation, media independence, and the importance of amplifying Black voices.

📢 Join the Conversation
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Website: http://www.blackvoicesnow.com

Thank you for joining the blackVOICESnow community. Together, we’re creating a space where voices are heard, ideas are shared, and change is sparked.

Stay inspired, stay empowered.
– The blackVOICESnow Team