Champion of Community Journalism, William D. Smothers, Elected to NNPA Board from Huntsville’s Premiere Publication, Speakin’ Out News
SPEAKIN OUT NEWS
Savannah, GA – June 28, 2025 — In a historic and energizing gathering, Dr. John E. Warren, publisher of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint, was elected Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) during its 2025 Annual Convention, held June 25–28 at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District Hotel in Savannah, Georgia.
Themed “The Black Press: Engaging Black America—Empowerment, Justice, and Prosperity,” the convention brought together more than 200 Black publishers, journalists, editors, media executives, students, and community stakeholders from across the country to chart the future of Black-owned media.
A New Chairman with a Legacy of Service
Dr. Warren’s election as chairman marks a new era for the NNPA. With over 40 years in journalism and public service, Warren is a nationally recognized advocate for media equity and a steadfast champion for the African American community. His leadership is expected to prioritize digital innovation, policy advocacy, and the long-term sustainability of Black newspapers across the nation.
Spotlight: William Smothers of Speakin’ Out News Joins NNPA Board
Also joining the NNPA leadership team is William Smothers, publisher of Speakin’ Out News, a Huntsville, Alabama-based publication that is the longest-running media outlet in North Alabama, proudly serving its community for 45 years. Smothers was elected to the NNPA Board of Directors, where he brings a powerful grassroots perspective rooted in decades of public service journalism.
About William Smothers
William Smothers is a veteran publisher, civic advocate, and trusted voice in North Alabama’s Black community. Under his leadership, Speakin’ Out News has become a cornerstone of regional journalism, known for its in-depth coverage of civil rights, politics, education, Black faith communities, and economic development.
Throughout his career, Smothers has led efforts to promote voter education, amplify minority business voices, and deliver consistent reporting on issues often ignored by mainstream outlets. His election to the NNPA Board enhances the organization’s representation of Southern Black media and community-driven newsrooms.
“It is an honor to serve on the NNPA Board,” said Smothers. “For 45 years, our paper has told the stories of North Alabama. I look forward to continuing that legacy and supporting the strength and sustainability of the Black Press.”
The 2025 NNPA Messenger Awards: Honoring Black Press Excellence
A centerpiece of the convention was the 2025 NNPA Messenger Awards, held Friday, June 27. These awards recognize exceptional journalism and editorial work among the NNPA’s more than 230 member newspapers.
• The Sacramento Observer received the John B. Russwurm Award, the highest honor for overall newspaper excellence.
• The Savannah Tribune, the host city’s historic publication, earned multiple awards for editorial leadership and community impact.
These accolades reflect the enduring power of the Black Press to elevate voices, hold institutions accountable, and inspire collective action.
2025 NNPA Distinguished Honors: Legacy & Impact
In addition to the journalism awards, the NNPA honored two nationally prominent leaders whose influence resonates far beyond the newsroom:
• Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, received the 2025 NNPA Legacy Award, recognizing his lifelong dedication to civil rights, economic empowerment, and social justice. Morial’s transformative leadership has expanded the Urban League’s reach and impact, making him one of the most influential Black voices in public policy today.
• Rev. Dr. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, was named the 2025 NNPA Newsmaker of the Year. Known for his dynamic leadership, activism, and forward-thinking faith ministry, Dr. Bryant has been a commanding force in galvanizing communities around issues of equity, voter mobilization, and Black advancement.
Their recognition served as a powerful reminder that the Black Press is both a chronicler and a catalyst of Black excellence and progress.
The Legacy of the Black Press
The NNPA, founded in 1940, continues the tradition established in 1827 by Freedom’s Journal, the first African American-owned newspaper in the United States. Created by John B. Russwurm and Samuel Cornish, the paper was founded with the mission: “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.”
That commitment to truth-telling, self-representation, and advocacy has guided the Black Press for nearly two centuries—through eras of enslavement, segregation, civil rights struggles, and today’s ongoing pursuit of justice and equity.
Looking Ahead
With Dr. John Warren at the helm and William Smothers now on the Board of Directors, the NNPA stands poised to deepen its impact and expand its reach across new platforms and generations. The organization remains deeply committed to its mission: uplifting, informing, and protecting Black America through the power of independent journalism.
To learn more about the NNPA and its member newspapers, visit nnpa.org.
