Telegram Celebrates It's 76th Anniversary

Black people, in America have been fighting for the rights and resources to own business since the day our chains were taken off. Black businesses are important to the communities they are meant to serve. Black owned businesses create a skill building infrastructure that gives employment, boosts the economy, and fulfills the needs of the community.

Practicing business as a black person in America has never been an easy thing to do. Most of the same hurdles that apply in education, healthcare, and housing apply to black business owners. That is why a man named J.C. Wall migrated from Mississippi to Michigan and in 1944, started a newspaper business. He owned it up until he died in 1997. Then, a man named Ben Wade took charge of the newspaper. In 2006, a woman named Gina Wilson had a part time job for the newspaper. Gina used her spare time to write articles dedicated to the city of River Rouge and the school district.

Gina was no ordinary woman with an ordinary interest in the city of River Rouge. Wilson is a product of the city, and has spent most of her life within its borders. Gina graduated from River Rouge, and chose to continue her education at Tuskegee University. Her original goal was to finish with a Pre Med degree, but a friend suggested she change her major to a more lucrative study. Gina took that advice. She walked across Tuskegee's stage, the proud owner of a mechanical engineering degree.

Being a black woman in the business of engineering, meant Gina was definitely walking into a field that didn't see her coming. All of the expected doors opened up. She quickly rose through the ranks of her engineering jobs. Gaining a proper engineers' salary, and a Masters degree from University of Detroit Mercy. Gina's engineering career was on the fast track to the top. But the company she was working for decided to outsource employment for the position she was qualified for.

This was an incident that made Gina rethink her current position in the field. She wanted more freedom, and to become her own boss. She took her position as a writer to the next level. In 2006, Gina purchased the paper from Ben Wade. Her goal was to expand the theme of the paper. Expand the paper's geological reach, and the paper's content.

That newspaper Gina Wilson purchased fifteen years ago became the Telegram Newspaper we know today. The goals set for expansion quickly set. The Telegram only serviced Southwest Detroit, River Rouge and Ecorse. Inkster became the next city in the list of cities serviced. Creating quite a chain reaction. The page count of the paper increased from eight to twelve expeditiously, as new writers, content, and delivery routes flooded in.

In 2020, the Telegram has become a name in select households around the world. The paper has hundreds of stops in twelve cities across metro Detroit it delivers to, and a healthy list of mail and online subscribers. Gina has used her engineering background and her MBA in Organizational Behavior to create and operate the perfect machine. The Telegram Newspaper is a system that cycles in jobs, opportunity, or even a quiet space for all. Young and old. Gina has been strategically placing herself, and the little big newspaper in the position to have a lasting effect on the lives of the people involved.

Gina is already working on her goals for the Telegram's 77th Anniversary. Her plans are to take what she's already done, and kick it up a few notches. More interns, more collaborations, and community outreach. She wants to continue to be a role model, and create role models in the community to keep the cycle going. Due to the Covid pandemic, the regularly scheduled events were postponed. There will be a virtual ceremony and award give away so stay tuned and be ready to have on your best formal clothes. You never know who's going to be watching.

Xavier Jones - How did you go from engineering to newspaper publishing? That seems like two different sides of the street.

Gina Wilson Steward - Running the paper wasn't a farfetched idea for me. In high school I loved to take pictures. At Tuskegee, I wrote for the school newspaper, The Campus Digest. I had to write a lot of stories on sports and profiles on people. I always had something to say, and I always did a good job of making sure someone would listen to it.

Xavier Jones - What are your goals for the Telegram for the upcoming times?

Gina Wilson Steward - I want the Telegram to be a primary source for community news. The paper will highlight the good things our people do, and provide the information prevalent to our community. It's not right for me to publish stories about the pain and suffering people have to face.

Xavier Jones - What's your proudest moment you've experienced while owning the Telegram?

Gina Wilson Steward - In 2007. I had press passes for me and my son Michael to see Barack Obama when he ran for President. Michael at the age of ten was in the area with the Media and took several photos. I didn't get a chance to interview him but it was great for both of us just being that close to him.

Xavier Jones - What do you credit the longevity of the Telegram to when other newspapers are closing their doors?

Gina Wilson Steward - I belive that God continues to bless us because we continue to be a blessing to others. Also, we are a family run business. I am out front, but all of my family have worked or volunteered at the Telegram throughout their lives. From stuffing inserts, delivering newspaper, cleaning the office, writing stories and praying for our success, they have played a role in the success of the Telegram.

I would be remised if I didn't credit the advertisers/business owners who are crucial to allowing us to bring the news to the loyal readers in our communities. You don't have a lifeline of over 76 years without having built relationships throughout the communities we serve.

Xavier Jones - When is it going to be time to retire and hang up your publishers hat?

Gina Wilson Steward - I have another ten years left, maybe. I'm in the process of building my successor, I have to make sure it's in good hands. I'm satisfied with the Telegram's results so far. I'll be more comfortable when we have more writers, growth, and content.