The Black Press: A Voice in Early American Journalism
The Black Press documentary essay
For this assignment, reflect on the development of The Black Press in the context of early American journalism. Please note that this is a writing assignment. Your written essay should be 500-750 words in length.
Be sure to summarize and give examples from the documentary The Black Press and try to make connections to course materials (lecture slides, textbook, videos, etc.)
These are optional questions to think about when writing based upon what the documentary notes in regards to the historical role of the print press in the USA:
How did the early press in the United States develop? Who owned it, and how did it operate? What dominant narrative did it tell? How did The Black Press create a counter-narrative?
Like the previous Critical Media Literacy essay, utilize the 5 step Critical Process to analyze & structure your essay (intro, 5 steps, conclusion) !
The Black Press: A Voice in Early American Journalism
Your Name
Subject and Section
Professor’s Name
August 17, 2023
When I first delved into the rich tapestry of American journalism, The Black Press struck me as an unwavering beacon championing the African American voice. As I navigated through the mainstream media's annals of early America, which seemed predominantly oriented towards the interests of white elites, The Black Press stood out as a counter-narrative. Watching "The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords" felt like an awakening to a dimension of media history I had yet to appreciate fully. Through the 5-step Critical Process, I would like to share my reflections on the indelible mark The Black Press left on American journalism's formative years.
Description
My journey began with understanding the media landscape of the early U.S. At first glance. It felt as though the narratives were singular – dominated by white ideologies. However, 1827 marked a shift that resonated deeply with me. John B. Russwurm and Samuel Cornish launched Freedom's Journal, not just as a publication but as a beacon of hope. Through its pages, African Americans were not merely reading the news but crafting a shared identity, expressing their anxieties, and cherishing their milestones.
Analysis
When puppeteered by a singular faction, the media often amplifies that faction's narrative. This realization was stark, especially when I saw the early American media consistently sidelining Black stories. However, the documentary did not just provide a narrative; it felt like a revelation. From fe...