The black press was created out of necessity. Due to the overt racism of white-owned publications that failed to cover black news or hire black writers, many important issues within the black community were ignored until blacks began publishing their own newspapers and magazines.
During a recent trip to Pittsburgh, rolling out magazine visited the New Pittsburgh Courier. One of the first black-owned publications in America, the paper remains an important staple of the black community in Pittsburgh. Managing editor Ulish Carter revealed why the black press will never die. –amir shaw
How did the Pittsburgh Courier start?
The Pittsburgh Courier was started in 1907 by Edwin Harleston and Robert Vann took over in1910. In 1966, the paper was restarted by John Sengstacke and named the New Pittsburgh Courier. At one time, it was the largest black publication in the county. The circulation was as high 430,000 circulation and was distributed mostly throughout the south. At the time, black newspapers couldn’t be printed in southern cities. The porters carried the newspapers to different cities. In February, we will be celebrating our 100th anniversary.
With the creation of new media, do you think that black press will eventually die out?
When I came to the paper in 1973, everybody was saying black newspapers were dead. But 40 years later, we’re still prominent. The Internet is supposed to be another threat. But I think there will always be a need for the black press. We may need to find other ways to present it online, but there will always be people who want to pick up an actual paper. As long as black newspapers put out quality products, there will be a need.
Why did you decide to write for a black publication instead of seeking employment at a larger media outlet?
When I was in college, I wanted to work for a black newspaper. I studied the black american experiences in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. At that time, I sent my résumé to Muhammad Speaks and the Pittsburgh Courier. The Courier was the first publication that called. I’ve had opportunities to work for daily papers, but I love giving information to the black community.
