Atlanta Daily World

A Salute To The Negro Press

The 132nd anniversary of the Negro Press is deserving of full merited tribute. Negro journalism has stood four square in the vanguard of mankind's unceasing crusade for freedom. justice, human rights and worldwide democracy.
The Negro Press similarly has been the conscience of the Americans, in combating the evil roadblocks to unfettered citizenship such as bigotry, discrimination and segregation.
As an agency of enlightenment, the Negro Press has vigorously pushed in its columns, for the right to vote, equality of travel, better housing, cultural enlightenment, good communities, political enlightenment, and other broad goals of democracy.
It has been an eloquent voice against injustice, brutality and denial and a staunch defender of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Negro Press has lifted its protest against the Separate but Equal concept and insisted upon full inclusion of minorities into the mainstreams of our nation's social, cultural, economic, political, citizenship and industrial life.
The Negro Press has repeatedly held up the disgrace and shame of racial bombing, of our ghettoes, political disenfranchisement, and dual standards of citizenship. It has always affirmed those traditions considered as the high ideals of American life and will continue to do so.
As President Eisenhower so rightfully attests: "The credo of the Negro Press is part of the credo of America. We believe that each citizen has the right and duty to contribute his best efforts to the life of a nation. As our newspapers help our people achieve these highest goals of freedom, they perform an essential service"
Thus, we salute the Negro Press long, hard-fought forward journey from the days of John Russwurm to its significant role today in the maintenance of American democracy and its continued role as the voice of minorities.