Discovering Lost Histories: The Importance of Black History Newspapers

For generations, the stories of African Americans have been overlooked, misrepresented, or even erased from mainstream historical records. Black history newspapers (blackhistorynewspapers.newspapers.com) are an invaluable resource for uncovering these lost narratives, particularly for those seeking to trace their family histories.

Why This Resource Matters

Traditional genealogical research often relies on census records, birth certificates, and government archives—sources that historically excluded or marginalized Black communities. Newspapers, however, provide firsthand accounts of daily life, documenting events, personal achievements, community gatherings, obituaries, and more. This archive serves as a bridge to the past, offering insight into the lived experiences of African Americans across different eras.

Reclaiming Forgotten Family Stories

For many, finding an ancestor’s name in an old newspaper article is more than just a discovery—it’s a restoration of identity and legacy. Black newspapers covered stories that mainstream publications ignored, preserving histories of Black-owned businesses, social movements, church activities, and family milestones. These records can help reconstruct family trees, validate oral histories, and honor the resilience of ancestors who built and shaped their communities.

A Tool for Truthful Storytelling

The ability to search through Black historical newspapers enables individuals and researchers to challenge historical erasure and ensure that African American experiences are truthfully told. Whether you are an educator, historian, genealogist, or someone simply looking to connect with your roots, this archive is a powerful tool for uncovering the past and preserving it for future generations.

Start your search today and reclaim the stories that history tried to forget. Explore Black History Newspapers.

Newspapers by State

Virginia

• The Richmond Planet (1883–1938) – Richmond, VA

• The Norfolk Journal and Guide (1900–present) – Norfolk, VA

• The True Reformers’ Advocate (1889–1910) – Richmond, VA

• The Staunton Tribune (1916–1966) – Staunton, VA

• New Journal and Guide (1930s–present) – Norfolk, VA

• The Virginia Star (1880s) – Petersburg, VA

North Carolina

• The Star of Zion (1876–present) – Charlotte, NC

• The Charlotte Post (1878–present) – Charlotte, NC

• The Carolina Times (1919–present) – Durham, NC

• The Winston-Salem Chronicle (1974–present) – Winston-Salem, NC

• The Roanoke Beacon (1899) – Plymouth, NC

West Virginia

• The Advocate (1892–19??) – Charleston, WV

• The McDowell Times (1920s–1950s) – Keystone, WV

• The West Virginia Digest (1930s–1950s) – Huntington, WV

• The Charleston Reporter (1940s–1960s) – Charleston, WV

Maryland

• The Afro-American (1892–present) – Baltimore, MD

• The Baltimore Leader (1910s) – Baltimore, MD

• The Maryland Journal (1930s–1950s) – Annapolis, MD

• The Washington Afro-American (early 1900s–present) – Washington, D.C./Baltimore, MD

These newspapers played a crucial role in documenting African American life, activism, business, education, and civil rights struggles in their respective states. Many are available through archives, libraries, and digital newspaper databases.