Operating a profitable newspaper requires very good management. With a century-long legacy of serving the Black group of New York Metropolis, the New York Amsterdam Information credit its longevity to the diligence and up to date improvements of its workers, guided by the imaginative and prescient of Writer and Editor-in-Chief Elinor R. Tatum.
“The Black press is aware of how you can be nimble. They know how you can do quite a bit with a bit. As we have now seen very not too long ago, they know how you can remodel themselves, they usually know how you can transfer with the instances, as is clear with the work and transformation that the New York Amsterdam Information has finished most not too long ago with our digital transformation.” Tatum stated.
Since assuming the function of writer and editor-in-chief in 1997, Tatum spearheaded a number of initiatives which have remodeled the present AmNews newsroom in the present day. Transitioning from typewriters to computer systems and exploring social media platforms, the AmNews stepped into a brand new period that embraced digitization. A number of groundbreaking collaborations and models emerged beneath Tatum’s management, together with the information collaborative “Phrase in Black”; “Blacklight,” the primary Investigative unit inside a legacy Black writer; and the gun violence prevention initiative, “Past the Barrel of the Gun” —all showcasing her influential legacy.
Phrase in Black is a collaborative effort between ten of the nation’s legendary Black newspapers. Tatum stated she got here up with the concept of Phrase in Black in 2021 after the homicide of George Floyd.
“It’s one thing that we labored very arduous on to not solely bolster the journalism in our personal newspaper—as a result of it has helped in that regard and has funded positions in our personal newsrooms—but in addition for the collective good thing about our communities,” she stated.
Phrase in Black now features as its personal group, separate from the main newspapers, creating its personal e-newsletter and producing authentic content material and journalism.
Blacklight, the AmNews investigative unit, is one other profitable mission that blossomed beneath Tatum’s steerage. The unit focuses on exposing wrongdoing and tackling points that have an effect on communities of colour. Its visionary program, “Past the Barrel of the Gun,” goals to deal with and scale back gun violence inside Black and brown communities.
Observing and contributing to the expansion and growth of the newsroom for almost 30 years, Tatum stated she is most happy with its endurance—a high quality she likens to the Black group.
“The newspaper being right here—surviving the pandemic when a number of newspapers shut each week on this nation, the truth that we’re nonetheless standing,” she stated.” The legacy Black newspapers are tried and true and are nonetheless round over 100 years later. They’re steadfast. They’re able to survive in very making an attempt circumstances, similar to our group.”
She attributes the newspaper’s longevity to its authenticity and unwavering loyalty to serving the Black group.
“We consider that our group is necessary and that it deserves preventing for,” stated Tatum.
Main on the high, nonetheless, isn’t at all times easy crusing. Tatum famous the challenges she faces as a Black lady in management, navigating a predominantly white business. All through her profession, she steadily discovered herself as the one Black particular person and lady in a room, getting her selections and enterprise practices questioned.
Regardless of the hardships, Tatum remained resilient and dedicated to her function.
“Being the writer of a Black newspaper, in case you’re not resilient, you’re useless,” she stated.
Tatum’s journey into the world of journalism is closely influenced by a household legacy of newspaper possession. Her grandfather owned a newspaper within the ‘30s or ‘40s, later participating Tatum’s father within the enterprise that may lay the inspiration for his personal journey. In highschool and school, he was actively concerned within the newspaper, growing a ardour that may later culminate in buying the New York Amsterdam Information with a staff of buyers.
Rising up in New York Metropolis, Tatum grew up surrounded by newspapers. Impressed by her father’s impactful selections, like selecting journalism over public workplace, and witnessing his dedication throughout important moments such because the Central Park Jogger case, she turned pushed by a need to make a distinction on the earth, particularly inside communities of colour.
After being handed the mantle by her father almost 30 years in the past, now that keenness manifests as she continues to uphold the household custom, carrying ahead the legacy of journalist integrity and community-driven information in New York.
“Even in a metropolis like New York, there are nonetheless information deserts the place individuals simply don’t know what’s occurring of their group, and we should be a spot the place you’ll find out what is going on for and about you,” she stated.
Tatum shared a touching reminiscence from round ten years in the past that bolstered her ardour for journalism. Throughout a go to to a center college classroom, the place college students had been required to learn the AmNews newspaper each week, Tatum was deeply moved by a remark from one younger lady.
“She stated, ‘Earlier than I learn the Amsterdam Information, I simply thought I might find yourself on medication or pregnant and welfare as a result of that’s all I noticed within the newspapers. However after I learn the Amsterdam Information, I noticed that I could possibly be an accountant, lawyer, physician, or astronaut, so I simply needed to say thanks’” The work continues to make sure that the New York Amsterdam Information stays a beacon of fact and illustration in an ever-changing media panorama. By her modern management, Tatum preserves a century-long legacy whereas paving the best way for future generations to embrace their potential and discover their voices.
