Black History Month comes to an end, now what's the plan?

Well February is just about over and that ends Black History Month. However, we will continue to share information about Black people, Black Business and organizations throughout the year. Let’s make 2022 a year of learning and sharing.

The Telegram Newspaper is a Black History fact. It is the oldest weekly community newspaper that is owned by a Black woman in Michigan. Just so you know, we are not the only Black woman owned newspaper in the State of Michigan. I might be the only one that you know about, but there are about five of us. The Telegram is the oldest as we will be celebrating our 78th Anniversary in August of this year, but we are not alone. The other newspapers are The Grand Rapids Time, Detroit Native Sun, Renaissance Observer and The New Citizens Press. There may be more, but these are the ones that I know about.

Throughout this year we will continue to spotlight Black Owned Businesses. Yes, I said continue. All this month we have been sharing stories about businesses that are owned by Black/African American people. However, I didn’t title them Black Owned Business, because, Black History is Everybody’s History. I think it is important for young people to pick up the Telegram Newspaper and just see stories about people who are running businesses who look like them. Maybe we will get to a point where we don’t just focus on the accomplishments of Black people in February. The Telegram will do our part to continue to share stories about businesses with the hope of inspiring and empowering others.

When my son attended Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse of Detroit, one position that was shared among the parents, staff and children was that we didn’t harp on someone being the first Doctor, first Senator or first Business Owner. That gave the perception that being the first was unattainable instead of being a part of life. Let’s continue to strive to be a natural part of our communities and build up the next generation of business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs Here is hoping that we get to that point.

Happy Black History Year!

Gina Wilson Steward

CEO