Goldman, Clarke Lead Call for Commemorative Stamp Honoring the Freedom's Journal, The First African American-Owned Newspaper

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09) led a letter with 25 other Members of Congress urging the U.S. Postal Service to issue a commemorative stamp honoring the Freedom’s Journal on the 200th anniversary of its founding. The letter, sent to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee and Postmaster General, highlights the newspaper’s historic role as the first African American-owned and operated publication in the United States. 

 

“Founded in 1827 in Lower Manhattan, the Freedom's Journal emerged as a symbol of empowerment as the first African American-owned and operated newspaper in the United States. It launched the same year that slavery was abolished in New York State, to counter the negative and damaging portrayals of African Americans prevalent in newspapers of the time,” the Members wrote. 

 

The Freedom’s Journal served as a critical platform for the African American community to share news, celebrate achievement, and challenge injustice. Circulating across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Haiti, it fostered a sense of global connection within the Black diaspora and helped lay the groundwork for generations of African American journalism to come — including Frederick Douglass’s The North Star. 

 

“Given the Freedom's Journal’s significant contribution to the newspaper industry and African American history, we ask the Committee to give careful consideration to a postage stamp commemorating the 200th birthday of The Freedom's Journal. This critical milestone deserves recognition, not only for its historical significance but for the vital role it played in shaping African American identity and advocacy,” the Members wrote. 

 

The Freedom’s Journal was founded and first published in New York’s 10th Congressional District, which Congressman Goldman represents. Its legacy remains an enduring testament to the power of the Black press and to New York’s central role in advancing civil rights and democracy. 

 

 

Dear Chairman Kelley and Postmaster General Steiner, 

 

We write this letter in strong support of the creation of a commemorative stamp honoring the 200th birthday of the Freedom's Journal. 

 

Founded in 1827, in Lower Manhattan, the Freedom's Journal emerged as a symbol of empowerment as the first African American-owned and operated newspaper in the United States. It launched the same year that slavery was abolished in New York State, to counter the negative and damaging portrayals of African Americans prevalent in newspapers of the time. The Freedom's Journal served as a vital space for the African American community to strengthen connections within the Black diaspora, as it circulated throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Haiti, along with 11 states and the District of Columbia. The newspaper broadened its readers' awareness of world events, documented African American accomplishments and injustices, and advocated for civil rights. 

 

While the newspaper ceased publication in 1829, its two-year existence laid the groundwork for a vibrant network of African American journalism and empowered African Americans to resist racist and dehumanizing views. Between the appearance of the first publication in 1827 and the end of the Civil War, 40 African American-owned newspapers and magazines began operating. This includes iconic abolitionist Frederick Douglass' The North Star, which promoted the end of slavery and the advancement of equality for African Americans. By 1915, more than 1,876 African American newspapers operated in the United States. Its impact is undeniable and a testament to the resilience of the African American community. 

 

In light of the sweeping rollbacks in key policies that once championed the recognition, protection, and advancement of African Americans, we find it is more crucial than ever before to honor and uplift the legacy of this pioneering African American newspaper. The Freedom's Journal not only chronicled and fought against racial stereotypes but also fostered community and galvanized generations to take action against prejudice. African American history is undeniably American history, deeply intertwined with the nation's struggles, triumphs, and identity. It must be taught and understood as an integral, indispensable part of the American story. 

 

Given The Freedom's Journal’s significant contribution to the newspaper industry and African American history, we ask the Committee to give careful consideration to a postage stamp commemorating the 200th birthday of The Freedom's Journal. This critical milestone deserves recognition, not only for its historical significance but for the vital role it played in shaping African American identity and advocacy.