For nearly two centuries, the Black Press has told the stories of Black America—documenting its struggles, celebrating its triumphs, challenging injustice and giving voice to communities too often overlooked or misrepresented by mainstream media.
As the 200th anniversary of the Black Press approaches in 2027, two women at the helm of two historic Black-owned news organizations are demonstrating that preserving that legacy will require not only perseverance, but partnership.
Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher and second-generation owner of The Washington Informer, and Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, CEO and publisher of The AFRO-American Newspapers, are bringing their organizations together to present “Steeped in Legacy,” an elegant High Tea honoring women who Educate, Empower and Lead.
The Oct. 24 event will recognize six distinguished women whose careers exemplify those principles: Dr. Dana A. Williams, dean of Howard University’s Graduate School; Dr. Kimberly R. Moffitt, dean of Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications; Jacqueline “Jackie” Jones, dean of Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism & Communication; Dr. April Massey, chief academic officer at the University of the District of Columbia; Jacquie Gales Webb, Peabody Award-winning producer, performer and longtime host of “Sunday Afternoon Gospel” on WHUR-FM; and Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO of AARP.
Individually, the honorees have distinguished themselves in education, communications, media, health, culture and public service. Collectively, they represent the power of women to educate generations, empower communities and lead institutions through change.
“This partnership reflects something [Denise and I] both believe deeply: when legacy joins hands with innovation, history does not simply continue—it moves forward,” Draper said. “I look forward to the energy, inspiration and sense of possibility that will fill the room as we honor these extraordinary women and imagine what our two institutions—and the Black Press—can build together.”
Change is something Rolark Barnes and Draper understand well.
Both women inherited not simply family businesses, but a responsibility to preserve institutions created to serve Black communities.
Founded in Washington, D.C., in 1964 by Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, The Washington Informer is now led by his daughter, who became publisher following her father’s death in 1994. Under Rolark Barnes’ leadership, The Informer has evolved from a weekly newspaper into a multimedia news organization while remaining committed to serving the Black community.
Draper carries an even longer family publishing tradition. The AFRO was founded in Baltimore in 1892 by her great-grandfather, John H. Murphy Sr. Today, she leads one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating Black-owned newspapers, carrying forward more than 130 years of chronicling Black life, leadership, struggle and achievement.
Together, the two publications represent more than 190 years of Black publishing history.
Their collaboration comes at a consequential moment.
“At a time when the Black Press faces unprecedented challenges, collaboration is not only important,” said Rolark Barnes, “it is essential to ensuring that these trusted institutions remain strong for generations to come.”
The Importance of Collaboration in Continuing the Black Press
On March 16, 2027, the Black Press will mark 200 years since Samuel Cornish and John Brown Russwurm published the first issue of Freedom’s Journal in New York. The nation’s first Black-owned and operated newspaper declared its purpose in words that still resonate: Black people needed the power to speak for themselves.
Two centuries later, that mission remains essential.
“The Black Press, in general, is about uniting the Black community. So, for two of our historic African American-owned newspapers, the AFRO and The Washington Informer, to have a tea together, that bodes well… in terms of unity,” Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, told The Informer. “It’s Baltimore and Washington working together throughout the DMV, and I would say, throughout America. I hope the other African American-owned media outlets will be inspired.”
But sustaining it has become increasingly difficult. Changing news-consumption habits, declining traditional advertising revenue, technological disruption and the continuing challenge of monetizing digital journalism have placed enormous pressure on news organizations. Black-owned media face those same pressures, often with fewer financial resources, while continuing to report stories and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard.
Against that backdrop, the collaboration between The Informer and The AFRO is particularly significant. Rather than simply competing for increasingly limited resources, two legacy Black media organizations are asking what they can accomplish together.
Collaboration does not diminish either institution’s identity. It strengthens their collective ability to serve.
“Toni and I have served our communities alongside one another for many years, but this will be the first time we have invited our readers and supporters to come together to celebrate our shared mission,” Rolark Barnes continued.
“Steeped in Legacy” is also a fundraiser supporting the continuing work of both organizations to provide credible, relevant news and information to their communities. Proceeds will help sustain journalism delivered wherever audiences now seek information—through print publications, websites, newsletters, video, social media and emerging digital platforms.
There is special significance, too, in the women selected for recognition. Several are educating and preparing the next generation of scholars, journalists and communicators. Others use media, medicine, advocacy and institutional leadership to inform and empower people at different stages of their lives. Their careers demonstrate that leadership is not defined solely by a title, but by the people reached, opportunities created and communities strengthened.
“This is a unique opportunity for two of the nation’s oldest Black- and woman-owned media companies to partner in a meaningful way,” Rolark Barnes stressed, “…[recognizing] extraordinary women…and [uplifting] the work we do every day to inform, inspire and give voice to our communities.”
The High Tea is about much more than an afternoon of celebration. It is about legacy and leadership, sustainability and service, and the power of collaboration.
As the Black Press prepares to enter its third century, The Washington Informer and The AFRO are steeped in legacy, strengthened through collaboration and determined to build the future.
“Denise and I are genuinely excited to bring AFRO News and The Washington Informer together,” Dr. Draper said, “to celebrate remarkable women who educate, empower and lead.”
For tickets, visit afrotixlive.com. For sponsorship opportunities, contact rburke@washingtoninformer.com or call (202) 903-6003.
