Film Screening of “The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords”

“The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords” is an engaging historical account that tells the story of the pioneering men and women of the Black press who gave voice to Black America. The film had its television broadcast premiere on Feb. 8, l999 on PBS as part of its Black History Month celebration. In addition, “Soldiers Without Swords” was accepted into the prestigious 1999 Sundance Film Festival in the documentary category. “Soldiers Without Swords” is the first documentary to provide an in-depth examination of the history and contributions of African American newspapers.

Since the early 1800s, Black newspapers have existed in almost every major city in the U.S. Collectively, these papers contain the most detailed record of African American life in existence. Several of the key reporters, publishers and photojournalists are interviewed in the film, shortly before their deaths. From facilitating the migration of Southern Blacks to northern cities to recording the social and political events affecting the lives of African Americans, to providing a showcase honoring Black soldiers in World War II, the Black press documented life for millions of people that were otherwise ignored. 

Toward the end, the film discusses the reasons for the decline of the Black press in the last 30 years, and the residual effect on African American communities.