By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
And
Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
If John H. Murphy Sr. and his wife, Martha Howard Murphy, could speak to the five generations of descendants who, since the founding of the AFRO, have continued their crusade for justice and against racism, they would have reason to point to the words of a song of inspiration, often sung in the Black Church:
“Look back and see how far we’ve come . . . over hills and mountains, through the storm or through the rain. Oh, look back and see how far we have come.”
Since Aug. 13, 1892, The AFRO-American Newspapers, known as the AFRO, has effectively promoted unity within Baltimore’s Black community while illustrating the strength of the Black family. The publication cut its teeth pushing for human and civil rights, all while uplifting and recording Black history.
Now, more than a century later, founders John and Martha Murphy, their descendants and all who have contributed have a myriad of reasons to look back with pride. As the AFRO approaches its 133rd anniversary on Aug. 13, the mission that began in 1892 remains largely the same: to bring Black voices to the forefront and confront injustice head-on.
What has changed is its medium.
No longer just a print product, the AFRO is a digital-first media company—leveraging technology to disseminate stories about the Black community while maintaining a legacy print edition.
For the AFRO’s leaders, descendants of founder John H. Murphy Sr., the charge of the news organization was clear to them at an early age.
“As a family, all of us across my generation certainly grew up understanding that the mission of the AFRO was to uplift our community, celebrate Black excellence and speak out against injustice that impacted our community,” said Dr. Frances Murphy Draper, publisher of the AFRO and great-granddaughter of John H. Murphy Sr. “The basis of our upbringing was that we were here to serve the community by amplifying our community’s voices at a time—and even now—when our voices were not heard holistically.”
To begin the legacy of the AFRO, John H. Murphy Sr., a formerly enslaved man, borrowed $200 from his wife, Martha Elizabeth Howard Murphy, to purchase a printing press that would prepare the way for the creation of the AFRO–American Newspapers.
The paper, known as the AFRO, started as a church circular and grew into the most widely circulated Black newspaper along the East Coast. It became known for championing Black rights and spotlighting overlooked issues that impacted African Americans—an objective it continues to pursue.
Over the course of its history, the newspaper has documented racial lynchings in Maryland, challenged Jim Crow laws, promoted the economic empowerment of African Americans and confronted police brutality. It has also sought to be a trusted voice—one that holds leaders accountable, captures the nuances of issues affecting African Americans and uplifts the Black community.
“We lead with community voice rather than voices outside of the community. When our reporters look for sources, even if it’s a national issue, they look for people who can speak to how it’s impacting them locally,” said Draper. “People can also trust us to accurately reflect their quotes and opinions without taking them out of context.”
Today, the AFRO continues its legacy by standing firm against modern-day attacks on racial equity. It has confronted lawmakers’ efforts to restrict and censor Black history; challenged the 47th president’s rollbacks on equity, diversity and inclusion; and defended Black voting and reproductive rights.
Rather than parrot the mainstream media’s coverage on political issues, the AFRO examines the impact of current and proposed policies, executive orders and legislation on the Black community.
“Our goal is not to be ‘pro’ or ‘anti’ a person,” said Draper. “Our goal is to be ‘pro’ or ‘anti’ an issue that impacts the people we represent.”
Benjamin Phillips, great-grandson of John H. Murphy Sr., serves alongside Draper as president of the company. He said the AFRO is able to refer to the playbook its early leaders used during Reconstruction, a time when Black people demanded justice and equality despite fierce opposition.
“It’s a different type of world that we see today. Folks would really like to turn things back to the past,” said Phillips. “It’s up to us, along with other publications for African Americans and people of color, to understand that we have to speak up. We have to continue the fight.”
Part of continuing the fight is determining who will usher the AFRO into the future. Succession planning is a constant in both Draper and Phillip’s minds. One thing Phillips said he knows for sure is that the next leaders must be prepared to stay in the fight.
“I believe confidently that there are others behind us, a generation of children and their children, who will step up to the plate and come in to ensure that we continue to do what my great-grandfather wanted us to do,” said Phillips. “The mission is as real today as it was then. If we can’t stand for something we stand for nothing.”
Under the current White House administration, news organizations have consistently been under attack. There soon may come a time when Black newspapers become the focus of these assaults.
However, Draper noted that the fight to preserve the Black Press is not new. It’s been ongoing since her great-grandfather founded the AFRO over a century ago. She called on readers to support their local, Black media outlets.
“If I had a message to anybody, wherever you are, subscribe to your Black paper. It doesn’t cost that much,” said Draper. “We need that voice across the country.”
A tradition of the Black Press, continued
The AFRO and many Black publications across the nation have long been the place where many renowned journalists and media professionals got their start.
Today, the next generation of tenacious AFRO reporters can be seen in the likes of Tavon Thomasson, a 25-year-old senior at Morgan State University and an intern with the AFRO. Thomasson said what has most impressed him about the publication is its environment which he views as “deeply family-oriented.”
“For some, that might seem like a challenge, but in this case, it’s been nothing but positive,” he said. “Everyone genuinely supports one another, working together to produce stories that matter to the African-American community. And I appreciate being part of a newsroom that prioritizes issues about which our community cares. It reminds me of a family reunion – the kind that leaves you feeling connected, valued and proud to be part of something bigger than yourself.”
Alee Opuiyo, a local businesswoman who heads her own communications and public relations agency, spent her first two years after graduating from Howard University’s School of Communications as a general assignment reporter for the AFRO. She said she remains grateful for being provided with many unforgettable experiences that shaped her both personally and professionally.
“I’m incredibly impressed with the AFRO’s journalistic tenacity, integrity and unwillingness to compromise the credibility of the publication,” she said. “I have held these principles close to me throughout my professional journey because of my time at the newspaper. Without question, it continues to serve as an unwavering institution which advocates America’s most sacred values like truth, honor and justice.”
Great Job Special to the AFRO & the Team @ AFRO American Newspapers Source link for sharing this story.
