Savannah Hosts Annual Conference for African American Publishers

News Summary

Nearly 300 African American newspaper publishers will gather in Savannah for an annual conference organized by the National Newspaper Publishers Association. The event will highlight the theme of Empowerment, Justice, and Prosperity, featuring workshops, discussions, and the 2025 Messenger Awards. It also commemorates significant anniversaries of the Black Press and The Savannah Tribune.

Savannah Hosts Annual Conference with Nearly 300 African American Publishers

Nearly 300 African American newspaper publishers are set to gather in Savannah from June 25 to June 28, 2025, for the annual conference organized by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). This year’s event, hosted by The Savannah Tribune, will take place at the J.W. Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District and commemorates two significant anniversaries: 198 years of the Black Press and the 150th anniversary of The Savannah Tribune.

The overarching theme of the conference is “Engaging Black America: Empowerment, Justice and Prosperity,” a reflection of the ongoing efforts to enhance and uplift the Black community through media and journalism. A series of workshops designed to inspire attendees will run from June 25 to June 27, focusing on various timely topics.

Workshops and Activities

The conference agenda includes a range of workshops scheduled to discuss contemporary issues affecting the African American community and the media landscape. Notable sessions include:

• A Gen Z Panel Discussion on innovation, social media, and artificial intelligence, aimed at engaging younger audiences and exploring how they consume news.
• A discussion about the impacts of Project 2025, a strategic initiative aimed at addressing key challenges in the industry.
• An examination of harmful policies affecting the Black Press, providing a platform for publishers to advocate for change.
• A focus on Black Health, both mental and physical, recognizing the importance of health in the community.
• Exploring financial freedom and its connection to community economic development.

Additionally, the NNPA plans to recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations committed to excellence in journalism through the 2025 Messenger Awards. These awards celebrate storytelling that uplifts and informs communities, embodying the core mission of the Black Press.

Honorary Gala and Anniversary Celebration

As part of the conference, the NNPA National Legacy Award Gala will honor Marc H. Morial, the President and CEO of The National Urban League, as the 2025 recipient of the award. This gala not only recognizes individual achievement but also highlights the broader social justice efforts represented within the Black media community.

The final day of the conference, June 28, will be particularly special as The Savannah Tribune celebrates its 150th anniversary with a unique Biscuit Brunch and Sneaker Ball. This celebratory event aims to honor local historians who have documented Savannah’s African American history and played a crucial role in enriching the community’s narrative. This occasion underscores the significant contributions of The Savannah Tribune to the Black Press over the decades.

Background of the Black Press

The Black Press has been an essential part of American history since its inception nearly two centuries ago, providing a voice to African Americans and highlighting crucial social issues long overlooked by mainstream media. Through the establishment of reputable publications, the Black Press has fought for justice, equality, and representation within the larger media framework. The NNPA serves as a vital network for these publishers, offering resources, advocacy, and collaboration to enhance their effectiveness and reach.

As the nation continues to grapple with racial and social inequalities, the convening of nearly 300 publishers in Savannah represents the ongoing commitment to empower the Black community through informed journalism and engagement.

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