African American History: Primary Sources & Newspapers

The purpose of early African-American journalism was " 1) to define the identity of a people who had been stripped of their own culture in a hostile environment; 2) to create a sense of unity by establishing a network of communication among literate blacks and their white supporters throughout the country; 3) to examine issues from a black perspective; 4) to chronicle black achievements that were ignored by the American mainstream; and 5) to further the cause of black liberation" (Garland, 2006. "Journalism." Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History, p. 1203).

Newspapers

Magazines -- great for cultural topics (fashion, beauty, music, sports, food)

Browse Primary Source Collections (ASU, UNCA and WCU). Click on Request to order print items from ASU or UNCA.

Sample Titles, Including E-Books: