Celebrating Notable Black Figures Who Contributed to Atlanta Media & Journalism

By Jannah Bolds
EIC, The Bold Opinion



Recognizing those who paved the way for African American journalists.

Through decades of sharing truths and informing the public, black journalists have only been able to spread knowledge mainstream in the late 20th century. As a journalist from The South, it’s imperative that I reflect and pay homage to my professional predecessors, because without them, I would not stand where I am today.

Janis L. Ware

Janis Ware cofounded The Atlanta Voice in 1966 in the heat of the Civil Rights era in the southeast and continues to lead the organization for the well being of Atlanta’s community. She has continued The Atlanta Voice mission as a leader and provider of communal information.

Andre Moses White

In 1980, Andre White and his son founded The Georgia Sentinel, a progressive news outlet for Atlanta’s African American community. While building business in Atlanta, White became the President of the Auburn Avenue Merchants Association and re-established the Auburn Avenue Festival.

John B. Smith Sr.

John B. Smith Sr. was a publisher fo the Atlanta Inquirer and a leading voice for young Black voices during the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta. The Atlanta inquirer was a beacon of light for journalistic truth which pushed the city forward. This produced the integration of services, minority students into white schools, all in the absence of violence.

Bernard Shaw

An acclaimed journalist who was amongst the first group of anchors on CNN. Shaw covered groundbreaking stories including the death of Princess Diana, the Persian Gulf War, the Tiananmen Square revolt and more.

Sources

The Atlanta Inquirer
https://atlinq.com/celebration-of-life-for-john-b-smith-sr/

The Michigan Chronicle
https://michiganchronicle.com/2017/05/01/former-nnpa-chairman-and-publisher-of-atlanta-inquirer-john-b-smith-sr-mourned-my-masses/

Moses White Foundation
About our Founder
CNN https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/27/us/bernard-shaw-fast-facts/index.html The Atlanta Voice https://theatlantavoice.com/our-story/
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