#NNPA BlackPress
Black Press Publishers Honor Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. with NNPA Lifetime Achievement Award
NNPA NEWSWIRE — Because of his dedication and steadying hand, the historic all-Black woman board of the NNPA unanimously has chosen Chavis as the recipient of the 2023 NNPA Lifetime Achievement Award. They will present the honor at a special gala during the NNPA’s Annual Midwinter Training Conference.
The post Black Press Publishers Honor Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. with NNPA Lifetime Achievement Award first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia
When the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) removed the interim president and CEO tag from Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. in 2014, then NNPA Board Chair Cloves Campbell conveyed to the membership that the civil rights icon possessed the talent and contacts to make an immediate impact.
Campbell, the publisher of the Arizona Informant, also highlighted another of Chavis’ intangibles from which Black-owned media companies would benefit: energy.
Eight years later, and a decade after running the NNPA on an interim basis, Chavis, has continued to display the kind of energy seen primarily in individuals less than half his age.
He’s also led the NNPA, representing the 195-year-old Black Press of America, to financial prosperity when newspapers and media companies universally struggle to keep the doors open.
Among the most recent accomplishments under Chavis, the Black Press finally received all-access to the White House.
It was Chavis leading a large contingent of Black Press publishers to Charleston, South Carolina, during the 2020 primary season where they met with candidate Joe Biden.
At the time, Biden trailed mightily in the polls and needed a victory in Dixie to survive. Chavis’ interview with Biden went viral, the former vice president then received a crucial endorsement from Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), won the primary, and his campaign rode the wave all the way to the White House.
He’s also brokered deals with or strengthened partnerships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GM, Reynolds, AARP, API, and many others.
As he traversed the globe – in protective gear – during the pandemic, Chavis, by his actions and deft deal making, often reminded publishers, partners, sponsors, employees, and others of the catchy slogan he’s lived by since he was a wide-eyed 14-year-old serving in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference under Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“A luta continua” – or “the struggle continues.”
Because of his dedication and steadying hand, the historic all-Black woman board of the NNPA unanimously has chosen Chavis as the recipient of the 2023 NNPA Lifetime Achievement Award.
They will present the honor at a special gala during the NNPA’s NNPA’s Annual Midwinter Training Conference.
With the theme, “Digital Innovation, Training, and Engagement of the Black Press of America,” the conference convenes on Feb. 1 at the San Juan Marriott Beach Resort and Stelaris Casino, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“I’ve very honored to be considered by the NNPA for this esteemed award,” Chavis remarked.
“I do believe that, if anything, my life represents a life of a freedom fighter. However, I want to emphasize that accepting this award in no way should be interpreted as saying that the struggle for freedom has been completely won.”
Chavis continued:
“We’ve made tremendous progress in the last 100 years, but we still have a lot of progress and freedom to fight for.
“If I’ve learned anything over my last 75 years, it’s that when you win freedom to any extent, you must fight to preserve that freedom. You must fight to protect that freedom, endow that freedom, and sustain that freedom.
“Thus, I’m not willing to retire from being a freedom fighter. So, I accept this award as an incentive to keep fighting for freedom for people of African descent, Americans, and those worldwide.”
Chavis has a well-documented history.
The leader of the Wilmington 10 political prisoners, Chavis is also renowned for his early fight for environmental justice.
In the 1980s, he coined the term “environmental racism.”
Chavis has advised many prominent politicians and entertainers – many like Hip Hop and Business Mogul Russell Simmons, refer to Chavis as a mentor.
A former NAACP president, Chavis organized the Million Man March and co-founded the Hip Hop Summit with Simmons.
A younger generation of admirers still approaches Chavis in awe of his appearance in the hip hop classic movie drama, “Belly.”
Many of all ages continue to revere Chavis as a civil rights leader and a reverend.
“Dr. Chavis has given meaning to the words of Micah 6:8 in the Bible,” said San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Publisher Dr. John Warren.
Quoting the King James Bible, Warren said of Chavis, “And what does the Lord thy God require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”
Chavis has served the NNPA and “the people of this country with honesty, integrity, and selflessness, without looking for awards, recognition, or accolades,” said NNPA Vice Chair and Atlanta Voice Publisher Janis Ware.
“Today, we celebrate a man who leads with heart, love for his God, and all people from all walks of life. He is truly a rare human being. One to go down in the annals of human history as special and one for the ages.”
NNPA Treasurer and Texas Metro News Publisher Cheryl Smith also praised Chavis for having “led a life of service.”
“He is a true servant leader who has his finger on the pulse of our people, our communities, and the world,” Smith asserted.
“I am so appreciative of his leadership, wisdom, and support,” she added.
NNPA Fund Chairman and Los Angeles Wave Publications CEO Pluria Marshall Jr. called Chavis a potent and stabilizing force.
“For more than ten years, Ben has been a potent and stabilizing force for NNPA and its nonprofit NNPA Fund,” Marshall insisted.
“He is a visionary consensus builder and community advocate whose calm and deft communication skills have helped make the Black Press an even stronger media force in America.”
Marshall continued:
“From his longtime commitment to civil rights to his ardent passion for equity and justice, Ben has consistently proven himself to be the consummate public servant.
“He is more than deserving of this lifetime achievement award, and I am pleased to endorse his selection to this prestigious honor.”
Chavis noted that those sentiments mean a great deal.
“This award is particularly significant because it comes from my colleagues, fellow publishers, journalists, editors, and writers,” Chavis said.
“It reminds me of James Baldwin when he said the pen is mightier than the sword.”
“I’m thankful I’ve been able to use my pen as an instrument for freedom. I accept this award on behalf of the Chavis family, a freedom-fighting family fighting for freedom worldwide for over 250 years.”
Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry said it’d been some time since someone has stood on the shoulders of history makers to demand freedom, justice, and equality for all, particularly for Black people after enduring suffering because of the fight.
“I am one to say, because of the strength, courage, and fortitude of the Rev. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the Black Press of America, the NNPA, and the world are better because of him,” Henry asserted.
“Congratulations, Dr. Chavis. A luta continua.”
While preparing for the conference, Chavis said he was far from finished.
“When I came to this job ten years ago, I came with a sense of optimism,” Chavis recalled.
“Now, ten years later, my optimism has increased exponentially because I see the potential of the Black Press. I’m very pleased to see so many young Generation Z journalists, writers, photographers, and content creators.”
“I think the future in this digital space … it’s not just that we should be in this space but leading the space forward. So, my optimism is still intact and has increased because I’ve seen not only the expansion and success of the Black Press over the last decade, but I’ve seen glimpses of the brighter future ahead.
“The biggest challenge is the economic and equity question. We must work on that to sustain Black-owned businesses, particularly Black-owned media, economically and equitably. That’s the next hurdle, and I will live out my years making sure that we don’t miss a beat in improving the economic equity of Black-owned businesses and Black-owned media companies.”
For discounted resort rates for the NNPA Midwinter Training Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico and for more information, visit http://www.nnpa-events.com.
The post Black Press Publishers Honor Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. with NNPA Lifetime Achievement Award first appeared on BlackPressUSA.
#NNPA BlackPress
Mother and Son, United in Purpose: How Regina and Judah Are Changing the Future of Early Childhood Education—Together
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — This Mother’s Day, we honor not just the love between a mother and her child, but the shared dreams, grit, and determination that can make those dreams a reality.

By Stacey Finkel
This Mother’s Day, we honor not just the love between a mother and her child, but the shared dreams, grit, and determination that can make those dreams a reality. Regina, 44, and her son Judah, 18, are proof that purpose has no age limit—and that it’s never too late or too early to answer a calling. Regina knows what perseverance looks like. It took her ten years to earn her first college degree, an Associate Degree in Early Childhood from Ashworth College. Life, as it so often does, had other plans—plans that called her away from school and into the real world. But she never let go of her goals or her belief in the power of education. That steadfast commitment planted a seed not only for herself but for her son. Now, Regina and Judah are both enrolled in a scholarship program at the Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC), housed at Delaware State University (DSU) in Wilmington, Delaware’s only Historically Black College and University. This program allows them to study in any early childhood education-related degree program across the entire state of Delaware. Regina attends Wilmington University, where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Education Studies with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. Judah attends DSU and is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. They are shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart—committed to equity, access, and the transformational power of teaching.
There’s something uniquely beautiful about a mother and son learning at the same time, not just in life, but in the classroom. They study together, encourage each other, and even bring their academic lessons to life while working at Chosen Children’s Child Care in Wilmington, where they support the development of the next generation of learners. Their shared experiences, both as students and as educators, deepen their bond and strengthen their shared commitment to the children they serve. But what truly sets their story apart is the community surrounding them. The Early Childhood Innovation Center is more than a scholarship program. It’s a lifeline, a launchpad, and a promise: You can do this. The faculty and staff meet students where they are—whether they’re returning to school after a decade or stepping into college for the first time. Regina and Judah both credit ECIC with giving them the resources, mentorship, and belief they need to succeed. For Black families, and especially Black mothers, the road to higher education can be long and often filled with obstacles. But what Regina and Judah show us is that when one person refuses to give up, they can inspire an entire legacy. Education becomes not just a goal, but a family value passed down. “I used to feel like I was falling behind because it took me so long to finish,” Regina says. “But now I see that every step was preparing me for this moment—alongside my son, showing him and others that no matter how long it takes, you can finish. You just can’t give up.” This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate mothers like Regina, who never stop striving, and sons like Judah, who walk beside them with pride. Let’s celebrate the power of Black institutions like DSU and innovative spaces like the Early Childhood Innovation Center that don’t just educate—they uplift.
#NNPA BlackPress
Trump Abruptly Fires First Carla Hayden: The First Black Woman to Serve as Librarian of Congress
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hayden made history in 2016 as the first woman and first African American to run the Library of Congress. Her firing arrived in the form of an abrupt email in the evening hours.

By Lauren Burke
President Donald Trump abruptly fired the Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden on May 8. Hayden made history in 2016 as the first woman and first African American to run the Library of Congress. Her firing arrived in the form of an abrupt email in the evening hours. There are fears that President Trump may also target a second prominent Black federal official, Smithsonian Chief Lonnie Bunch, for no other reason than the perceived political bias in a position not known for partisan activity. “Carla, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service,” the terse communication to Hayden read. The Library of Congress confirmed that Hayden had been informed she was fired by The White House. According to the Associated Press, Hayden “recently faced criticism from a conservative advocacy group aligned with Trump’s political allies. The group, the American Accountability Foundation, accused her and other library officials of promoting children’s books with what it called “radical” themes.”
Since his return to office Trump’s Administration has been focused on removing anyone who may disagree with their policy agenda. Many of the removals have introduced a sense of partisanship that Washington hasn’t seen in certain sectors such as the Library of Congress. “This is yet another example in the disturbing pattern of the President removing dedicated public servants without cause—likely to fill the position with one of his ‘friends’ who is not qualified and does not care about protecting America’s legacy,” wrote House Democrat Rosa DeLauro in a statement on Hayden’s firing. “President Trump’s unjustified decision to fire Dr. Carla Hayden as the Librarian of Congress is deeply troubling and just the latest example of Trump’s assault on the legislative branch of government. It’s also the latest demonstration of his blatant disregard for public servants who dedicate their lives to serving the American people,” wrote U.S. Senator Alex Padilla of California in a statement late on May 8.
#NNPA BlackPress
Black America Celebrates African Descent Heritage of Pope Leo XIV
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — The Pope’s factual anthropological roots are not just symbolic. According to genealogist Jari Honora, his maternal lineage traces directly to the Black community of New Orleans’ 7th Ward, with family ties to Haiti, and census records identifying his ancestors as “Black” or “Mulatto.”

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
Black America is taking pride in a truth shaking up the Vatican and resonating through the streets of New Orleans: Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago—has Black and Creole roots. The Pope’s factual anthropological roots are not just symbolic. According to genealogist Jari Honora, his maternal lineage traces directly to the Black community of New Orleans’ 7th Ward, with family ties to Haiti, and census records identifying his ancestors as “Black” or “Mulatto.” “By the Europeans’ own ‘1/8th’ rules, we have a Black Pope,” noted author Elie Mystal declared. “Anyway, Pope’s grandfather is Haitian. We kind of got a Black Pope. ‘End Woke’ is not gonna be happy about this.” Further, New Orleans historian Jari Christopher Honora also speaking to the National Catholic Reporter and Black Catholic Messenger, detailed how the pope’s grandparents married in 1887 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church on Annette Street in New Orleans before migrating north. His mother, Mildred Martínez, was the first child in the family born in Chicago. “The Holy Father’s ancestors are identified as either Black or Mulatto,” Honora said.
The Chicago Tribune and New York Times also reported on Pope Leo’s mixed-race background and Creole lineage, noting that his election marks a defining moment in the Church’s evolving identity. “As a Black man, a proud son of New Orleans, and the U.S. Congressman representing the very 7th Ward neighborhood where our new Pope’s family hails from, I am bursting with pride today,” said Rep. Troy Carter. “This is history! The first American Pope, with Creole and Haitian roots, rising from the streets of New Orleans to the Vatican. As a Xavier University alum, I know how deeply faith and resilience run in our community. We celebrate this moment—with joy, with prayers, and with pride.” Former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial called Leo XIV’s background “universal,” saying, “Here’s an American whose ministry was in Peru, who has roots in the American South and also ancestry in the American Black community.” Leo XIV is a member of the Augustinian Order, named after the African theologian St. Augustine of Hippo. His election came from a conclave in which two other leading contenders—Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana and Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo—were also men of African descent.
But Leo XIV stood apart—not just as the first pope from the U.S. but as one known for his outspokenness on racial justice, immigrant rights, gun reform, and the abolition of the death penalty. TIME Magazine reported that his selection represented a Vatican rebuke of efforts by wealthy Americans and political operatives aligned with Donald Trump to influence the papal outcome. Known in Rome as “The Latin Yankee,” Leo XIV used his verified X account (@drprevost) to amplify criticism of Trump-era immigration policies, often reposting commentary from respected Catholic figures. The New York Post reported that his last post before his election was a retweet of Catholic journalist Rocco Palmo slamming Trump’s alliance with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele over migrant deportations. Back in 2017, the Roman Catholic leader also reposted a message quoting Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich, calling Trump’s refugee bans “a dark hour of US history.”
Though Trump offered lukewarm congratulations from the White House driveway, his far-right allies were quick to lash out. Laura Loomer tweeted, “WOKE MARXIST POPE,” calling Pope Leo “just another Marxist puppet in the Vatican.”But outside the MAGA echo chamber, in Black communities across the globe, the emotion is pride. “The pope is Black,” journalist Clarence Hill Jr. said bluntly. And that means something in the Black neighborhoods of Chicago and the Creole corridors of New Orleans. Many said it means representation, resilience, and the reshaping of history at the highest level of the Catholic Church. “We celebrate this moment—not because it erases the struggles of our past, but because it affirms that our faith, our heritage, and our presence matter,” Rep. Carter said. “This is history, and it belongs to all of us.” The. Reverend Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. affirmed, “On behalf of the Black Press of America as the authentic voice of 50 million African Americans and millions more throughout the African diaspora, we join to celebrate Pope Leo XVI, a world leader of African descent who speaks truth to power with courage and grace.”
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