By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
In the heart of Ohio’s legislative halls, a historic moment has unfolded—one that speaks directly to the soul of Black America. House Bill 368, penned by Ohio State Representative Elgin Rogers Jr., passed in 2025, marking a new chapter in the ongoing fight for representation, equity and truth in journalism. With this bill, Ohio formally designates the week of March 16 as Ohio Black Media Week.
The Power of the Black Press
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
—James Baldwin (The Nation, The New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, The New York Times)
From the earliest days, Black-owned newspapers like Freedom’s Journal in 1827 to the modern digital platforms amplifying our voices today, Black media has been the heartbeat of our truth. It has told our stories when the mainstream media refused to. It has given us heroes, exposed injustices and reminded us of our worth when the world tried to silence us.
Building a Legacy of Change
“Racism is not just a matter of personal attitudes or prejudices. It is about the power to define who belongs, who gets resources, and who gets justice.”
—Dorothy Roberts (The Nation, Harvard Law Review)
Change is never the work of one person—it takes a collective. That’s why Representative Elgin Rogers Jr. garnered support from a bipartisan group of legislators, including Senator Dr. Vernon Sykes of Akron, who has served in the Ohio legislature for over 40 years, and State Representative Josh Williams of Sylvania Township. These leaders understand that Black media plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard.
Rogers also engaged Black media outlets for feedback, ensuring that the bill was crafted with the community in mind.
“I could have done the bill alone,” Rogers reflects, “but there’s power in numbers.”
That power translated into bipartisan support. House Bill 368 passed with backing from lawmakers across the political spectrum. But this wasn’t just about politics—it was about ensuring that Black media continues to be recognized and supported by many.
“Every year, hopefully for generations to come, this bill will continue to bring awareness that Black Media is important—not just for Black people, but for all people,” Rogers says.
Beloved Black Community
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” —Maya Angelou (The New York Times and The Oakland Tribune)
We stand on the shoulders of giants—those whose unwavering voices have echoed throughout history, shaping the course of a nation. The writers, journalists and press creators who paved the way fought not just for representation, but for the recognition of our power, our intellect, and our humanity.
“Ohio Black Media Week” will commemorate our stories, told on our terms, from the archives of slavery to the roaring winds of the civil rights movement. We were, and are, not just surviving—we are thriving in a legacy of strength and defiance, one that continues to inspire and empower us today.
Let us remember that the Black press and Black creatives have always been at the forefront of our struggle for justice, equality, and empowerment. Our resilience is written in the pages of history, in the ink of those who refused to be silenced, in the beats of hearts that refused to break. We’ve always understood that when we tell our own stories, we own our future. So, to every Black writer, every journalist, every artist, and every creator: your work matters. It is vital, it is necessary, and it is part of the fabric that weaves us into a magnificent legacy.
The Future of Black Media
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” —Marcus Garvey, posthumously pardoned 2025 (The Negro World, UNIA’s official newspaper )
Representative Rogers puts it best: “We want black media to thrive and be around for another 400 years.”
His words serve as a reminder that Black media is not just an industry—it’s a living legacy, one of resilience, empowerment, and transformation. And as long as there are stories to tell, injustices to expose, and truths to be preserved, the Black Press will continue to write history.
Because information is power—and that power belongs to us all.