In Appreciation Of Philly’s Black Publications

Black-owned publications have long been the backbone of truth-telling in America. For more than a century, they have reported on stories mainstream outlets ignored, amplifying voices that deserved to be heard and defending communities that demanded to be seen.

In Philadelphia, this legacy is alive and thriving through both historic institutions and newer publications that are shaping the future of Black media. Today, we are giving flowers to just a few of those publications.

Founded in 1884, The Philadelphia Tribune stands as the oldest continuously published African American newspaper in the United States. For more than 140 years, the Tribune has been a trusted source of daily news for Philadelphia’s Black community, covering politics, education, culture, and social justice issues.

For longtime readers, the Tribune is not just a paper, it’s a companion. “I’ve lived on my block in West Philly for 30 years, and the Tribune has always been how I kept up with what’s really going on in our communities,” says Reann Ross. “I remember my parents reading it when I was younger, and now it’s how I stay connected to the issues that matter most whether it’s schools, housing, or local elections. The mainstream news doesn’t cover our neighborhoods the same way, but the Tribune has always been there. It tells our story, and it makes us feel seen.”

Founded in 1960 and still going strong under the leadership of publisher Sherri Horsey Darden, Scoop has built its reputation as a free weekly newspaper embedded in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. From community events to grassroots organizing, Scoop ensures that ordinary people (not just officials or celebrities) are given space on its pages. Its survival is a testament to the value of deep community trust and accessibility. For many residents, seeing their stories uplifted publicly has been transformative.

“Big media outlets don’t usually highlight the everyday folks trying to keep kids off the streets,” said Jamal Turner, a Germantown-based youth basketball coach who has mentored teens for over two decades. “But Scoop USA did. It reminded me that our work matters and that our community deserves to celebrate its wins, not just mourn its losses.”

The Philadelphia Sunday Sun is another Philadelphia publication with a rich history. This publication was founded in 1992 by journalist, civil rights activist, and former President of Philadelphia’s chapter of the NAACP, J. Whyatt Mondesire.

Mondesire, once lured away from journalism to support another Philly great, William H. Gray, in politics, Mondesire returned to journalism to found the Sun in the early 90’s. The Philadelphia Sunday Sun continues the work of its founder by uplifting the stories that matter most to the Black community.

Newer publications are also shaping the landscape. Black Philadelphia Magazine is a print and online magazine dedicated to culture, entrepreneurship, and storytelling. It highlights the voices of artists, innovators, and business leaders, presenting a fresh perspective on the vibrancy of Philadelphia’s Black community.

Among the newest additions is Uptown Standard, a publication born from the vision of a former Philadelphia Tribune writer who wanted to carve out space for community voices that often go unheard. Rooted in the Uptown section of Philadelphia but reaching beyond, it captures the energy, resilience, and everyday life of the city.

Founder, James Williams, explains that the publication grew directly out of noticing what was missing. “When I was a political campaign manager for high profile races in Philly. I would always buy advertisements in local neighborhood papers. And I began to notice that there were no papers in the Black neighborhoods. We basically live in news deserts in the Black sections of the city, and I wanted to fix that in my area.”

In centering good news, Uptown Standard balances the narratives often dominated by crime or controversy, reminding the community of its own strengths and successes.

“We focus on the good news, not the bad news,” said Williams. “And there are plenty of good news stories out there. For every bad story there is a good story. Which is why I created the UppityAwards to show the good people that we do notice and appreciate them.”

Turner agrees. “When Uptown Standard honored me at the Uppity Awards, it wasn’t just about me, it was about my whole block,” he said.

Black publications represent the living backbone of Black-owned journalism in Pennsylvania. They operate as vessels of memory, guardians of truth, and catalysts for change.

At a time when media consolidation and shrinking local newsrooms threaten diverse storytelling, these publications stand tall, carrying forward a tradition that is as urgent today as it was a century ago. They prove that the Black press is not only surviving but innovating, evolving, and thriving.

The backbone of Black-owned news writing is its persistence, its adaptability, and its unwavering commitment to community. And in Philadelphia, that backbone remains strong.