Blacksburg’s history reaches far beyond our local newspapers. A search of The Richmond Planet archives reveals decades of letters and news from our community, reminding us that Blacksburg was part of important conversations across Virginia, and that one of America’s most influential Black newspapers preserved those stories for future generations.
Did you know Blacksburg appears in the pages of The Richmond Planet?
Edited by the legendary John Mitchell, Jr., The Richmond Planet was one of the nation’s most influential Black newspapers. We know people in Blacksburg subscribed to it—in the October 5, 1895, edition, C. A. Miller of Yellow Sulphur Springs wrote to the editor about raising funds here for the defense of two women.
A search of the archives reveals years of letters and news from Blacksburg, including coverage of the 1917 trial of Virginia Tech mathematics professor Charles E. Vawter’s murder of Stockton Heth, Jr.
These stories remind us that Blacksburg was connected to important conversations taking place across Virginia—and The Richmond Planet preserved that history.
5 October 18955 October 1895
Want to read The Richmond Planet? Newspaper.com (paid service) is the easiest to search. Virginia Chronicle, Library of Virginia, is free but not as easy to search.
Black History Newspapers are an invaluable resource for uncovering these lost narratives, particularly for those seeking to trace their family histories.
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.
A reward for the return of Bill, enslaved by William J. Barringer. (Richmond Times Dispatch, 5 December 1845)
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.
• 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.
Gathering African American History 