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Jesse Jackson Praises Black PublishersBy Makebra AndersonNNPA National Correspondent CHICAGO (NNPA) – While honoring Chicago publishers at the 65th Anniversary luncheon of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Jesse Jackson urged Black publishers to maintain their dignity and stick to their mission. “I want to work more closely on getting more advertising money for Black papers that will protect the integrity of the paper because all advertising money isn’t good money,” Jackson told the group that represents 200 Black publishers. “Black papers aren’t known for being big, lucrative businesses. They are known for being a voice.” The event, held in the ballroom at the Chicago Hilton, was as festive and energetic as the hustle and bustle on the hot and humid city streets. Jackson energized the crowd and challenged them to think. “It’s better to have a store-front church marching for freedom, than a mega church wheeling and dealing for payroll,” Jackson said. During the ceremony, several publishers were honored for the hard work they do in the city of Chicago. They were recognized for their commitment to the African-American community, which in Chicago, like many other metropolitan cities, is underrepresented. Those publishers included Mary Denson,Windy City Word; William Garth, Chicago Citizen; Dora Muhammad, Final Call; Jayme Cain Casimere, The Weekly Times; Thomas Picou, Chicago Defender and Lorenzo and Patricia Martin, South Suburban Standard. The history of the Black Press dates back to 1827, when the Freedom’s Journal was founded in New York City. “I’m delighted to see more thoughtful and challenging articles coming through NNPA,” he told the group. “The success of one of us, makes all of us better off.” NNPA, started with only 20 member papers which included the Pittsburgh Examiner, Detroit Tribune, Kansas City Call, Louisiana Weekly, Pittsburgh Courier, Philadelphia Tribune, Omaha Guide, Metropolitan Post, Michigan Chronicle, Iowa Bystander, Baltimore Afro-American, Minneapolis Spokesman and St. Paul Recorder, Chicago Bee, Progressive Herald, Chicago Defender, World, Journal and Guide, AME Church Review, Postal Alliance and Record of Cheyney College. Now the organization has more than 200 affiliate newspapers with a combined readership of more than 15 million. “This is not about the size of the paper-hold on to the distinction,” Jackson said. “Like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., you are on a counter-culture mission. I’m concerned about the way the right-wing government is moving in on the papers, churches and organizations. We need a free Black press and free Black pulpits. Don’t let money and manipulation stir you away from your mission.”