25 LC 129 0452
House Resolution 986
By: Representatives Jackson of the 165
th
, Westbrook of the 163
rd
, Stephens of the 164
th
,
Gilliard of the 162
nd
, and Hitchens of the 161
st
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending the National Newspaper Publishers Association; and for other
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purposes.2
WHEREAS, Reverend Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm became the publishers of the3
first Black-owned newspaper, Freedom's Journal, on March 16, 1827; and4
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WHEREAS, the purpose of the formation of the Black Press was to give a voice to African6
American people to plead their own cause; and7
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WHEREAS, in 1940, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a9
non-partisan trade association, was formed to support the growing number of Black-owned10
newspapers across America; and11
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WHEREAS, today the NNPA has expanded its membership to well over 200 Black-owned13
newspapers and media companies providing both digital and print newspapers as well as14
daily virtual news programs; and15
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WHEREAS, the NNPA provides a newswire and related services for its publishers; and17
H. R. 986
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WHEREAS, the Black Press is deemed the trusted voice for news and information serving
18
more than 27 million readers each week; and19
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WHEREAS, the Black Press in America is celebrating its 198th year in this year of 2025.21
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES t hat23
the members of this body recognize and commend the National Newspaper Publishers24
Association and its more than 200 member publishers, including The Savannah Tribune, a25
beacon of journalism, who in this year of 2025, proudly celebrates 150 years as a valued26
Savannah tradition; and furthermore, we extend gratitude to the National Newspaper27
Publishers Association for serving as the trusted news source for African Americans for 19828
years.29
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body salute the National Newspaper30
Publishers Association for convening their 2025 National Convention in Savannah, Georgia,31
Georgia's first city and "The Hostess City of the South". 32
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized33
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the34
National Newspaper Publishers Association.35
H. R. 986
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