Key facts about Freedom’s Journal:
The first Black-owned and operated newspaper in the United States, published in New York City in 1827. It was a weekly abolitionist publication that covered local, national, and international news. Founded by Rev. Peter Williams, Jr. and other free Black men
The first issue was published on March 16, 1827
The editors were John Brown Russwurm and Samuel Cornish
It addressed issues of slavery and colonization
It circulated in 11 states, the District of Columbia, Haiti, Europe, and Canada
All 103 issues of the Freedom’s Journal have been digitized and posted on this website. You’ll find these documents in PDF format.
Most digital copies are almost illegible in many places. They may be able to post better scanned images at a later time.
A much better digital version is available in Newsbank’s African American Newspapers, a commercial online newspaper product available from many university libraries across the country.
If you cannot access the commercial online newspaper product, visit Wisconsin Historical Society’s website.
#BlackLivesMatter
Same Concept.
Different Time.
Same Fight.
Before The Hashtags.
Before The Cameras.
Freedom’s Journal was the first African American owned and operated newspaper in the United States. Printed every Friday, Freedom’s Journal was founded by free born African Americans John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish on March 16, 1827, in New York City, New York.
The newspaper feautured both foreign and domestic news, editorials, biographies, births and deaths in the local African American community, and advertisements. Editorials deriding slavery, racial discrimination, and other injustices against African Americans were aimed at providing a counterweight to many of the white newspapers of the time period which openly supported slavery and racial bias. Read more at Black Past.
I volunteer my time and efforts as tribute.
I dedicate this space to Black Journalism and the voices that started it and continue to fight to document the trials and triumphs of Black Americans.
Resources to Learn More about America’s First Black Owned Newspaper.
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