The Toledo community joined local media personalities Friday in celebration of the inaugural Ohio Black Media Week.

“Black media has been an important part of American history,” said Fletcher Word, publisher of the Sojourner’s Truth newspaper.

“It’s been almost 200 years since the first publication came out in New York,” he said of the Freedom’s Journal. “That was in 1827, and so that’s a very important part of all American history.”

Against a backdrop of vividly colored murals depicting Black figures, Truth Colours Gallery of Art at 7 E. Bancroft St., played host to about 75 who enjoyed food, music, poetry and networking.

The celebration recognized Gov. Mike DeWine signing into law in January a formal designation of the week of March 16 as Ohio Black Media Week to understand and appreciate the historical and ongoing contributions of Black media in promoting democracy and equality.

Local poet Jodie Summers performed a spoken word piece he called “Black Media Shapes Bright Futures,” that provided a historical overview of the journey of Black media.

“Extra, extra read all about it. The first Black owned and operated newspaper began in New York, 1827, founded by Rev. Peter Williams, Jr. and other free Black men in New York City,” Mr. Summers said. “The four-page news column … was a valuable source of information for Black communities, covering regional, national and international news, as well as addressing issues like slavery and colonization.” 

His piece also recognized other notable Black newspapers of the 19th century including the North Star, published by Frederick Douglass from 1847-1851, as well as local media outlets like the Toledo Journal, Sojourner’s Truth, and Juice FM 107.3 radio.

“This bill is more than just symbolic — this bill is for real,” said State Rep. Elgin Rogers, Jr. (D., Toledo), who advocated for its passage in the state legislature.

“During the time that these newspapers began, Black folks were not allowed to read or write. The people who published these papers were putting their lives on the line,” he said. “That’s why this is more than symbolic.

Mr. Rogers also recognized the Bronze Raven newspaper which published in Toledo from 1948-1953, noting that those publications paved the way for today’s media outlets.

“I learned how to read at Mott Branch Library reading the Toledo Journal as a kid,” Mr. Rogers said. “It inspired me to want to make a difference in my community.”

As part of the celebration, attendees got the opportunity to peruse Truth Gallery where the artwork of local artists Nikola Welcome-Bovell and Klaire Russell told stories of the Black experience through artistic expression.

Marcus Harrison of WGTE Public Media, an Emmy award-winner with more than 20 years in media, said he was excited to attend the celebration. The acknowledgment of Black Media Week as law made him feel seen and heard, as if he was “being recognized personally,” he said.

“We report on what’s going on around us. And to be Black and in this profession, I think we have a responsibility to tell fair and accurate stories, especially about ourselves and our community,” he said.

Mr. Harrison offered a special thanks to state Rep. Rogers for his work appreciating Black media, as it highlights the larger role journalists play in the community.

“A lot of what we do as media professionals — those under the radar — just comes with [the] territory, but to be recognized for our contributions to everything — to society, to the community — I think goes a long way in recognizing what we mean to the whole landscape,” Mr. Harrison said.

Following Gov. DeWine’s signature making House Bill 173 law, the Toledo City Council declared the week of March 16 as Toledo Black Media Week.

“I’m thankful to the governor, I’m thankful to the speaker, and I’m thankful to my sponsors and those folks who showed support,” Mr. Rogers said.

“We’re here today as a reminder that this is a law that was passed, signed into existence, that we’re celebrating, but it’s also a wake up call that this same bill can be rescinded. It can be taken back,” he said.

“So, it’s very important that we continue to organize around issues that are effective to us,” he said. 

First Published March 24, 2025, 11:56 p.m.