Label
Black MediaWeek
Councilwoman McPherson
Title
Resolution recognizing the contributions of the Black media and declaring the week of March 16, Toledo Black Media Week.
Summary
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
WHEREAS, Black print and electronic media have a rich and important history in contributing to the diverse voices of greater Toledo and Northwest Ohio civic conversation.
WHEREAS, in 1947, Frances Belcher was the founder and publisher of the Bronze Raven, a weekly newspaper, published from 1947 to 1976, serving black communities in Toledo and surrounding areas until her death in 1963; and Richard Belcher, her husband became the publisher after her in 1963; and
WHEREAS, in 1997, Charles Welch “Charlie Chuck” started The Juice FM 107.3 (WJUC) and entered the history books by becoming the first African American in Ohio to start a radio station from the ground up; and
WHEREAS, The Toledo Journal, Sandra S. Stewart, publisher and Myron A. Stewart, editor, a National Black Chamber of Commerce award winning newspaper, is the oldest African-American owned newspaper, in current publication, in northwest Ohio proudly serving Toledo and Northwest Ohio communities since 1975; and
WHEREAS, The Sojourner’s Truth published by, for and about the African-American community, with Fletcher Word as publisher and editor, began publication in April of 2002 and has grown to a readership of over 70,000 readers today, and is an innovative weekly newspaper serving the African-American community in the northwest Ohio area; and
WHEREAS, The Stalwart Magazine, with Stayce Fowler as publisher and editor, is a publication that is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of individuals in the community, with a particular focus on those from minority backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, the Juice and Stalwart Magazine have formed a collaborative, “The Black Wall Street Community Development;”
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it Resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo, Ohio (the Council):
SECTION 1. That the Toledo Black Media is honored and recognized for contributing to rich ethnic history, diversity and equity of Toledo and Northwest Ohio, and to the freedom of the press, information, equity, and equality.
SECTION 2. That the week of March 16, 2025 is hereby declared Toledo Black Media Week.
SECTION 3. That this Resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.
Adopted: March 11, 2025: yeas 9, nays 0.
Attest:
Julie A. Gibbons Carrie Hartman
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: March 12, 2025
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor