In response to recent complaints lodged by St. Louis Magazine Editor Sarah Fenske regarding The St. Louis ARGUS recent grant award from Press Forward, The St. Louis NAACP pens a letter of support on The Argus’ Crucial Role in Journalism.
Press Forward Grant
C/O Lindsey Linzer & Melissa Milios Davis
Miami Foundation
Dear Lindsey and Melissa,
I am writing to express my strong support for the St. Louis Argus newspaper and its recent grant award from your organization. As the oldest Black-owned newspaper in Missouri, with over 114 years of service, the Argus plays a vital and irreplaceable role in informing and empowering the Black community in St. Louis.
The Argus has a storied history of advocacy and community engagement, dating back to 1912. It’s crucial to highlight that the paper’s first managing editor, J.E. Mitchell, was also the head of the local NAACP chapter. This deep-rooted connection between the Argus and the NAACP underscores the paper’s commitment to civil rights and social justice. The NAACP’s ongoing support for the Argus demonstrates the paper’s continued importance in advocating for the Black community.
For over a century, the Argus has been more than just a news outlet; it has been a crusading force for change, often organizing protests in addition to covering them. This legacy of active community involvement aligns perfectly with Press Forward’s mission to bolster democracy at the local level and support greater diversity in journalism.
In today’s media landscape, the Argus continues to serve as a critical bridge between news agencies and the Black community. This role is especially important given the lack of diversity in many newsrooms reporting on communities of color. The Argus provides culturally relevant content and commentary that resonates with its audience, filling a crucial gap in local news coverage.
The Press Forward grant represents a vital opportunity for the Argus to rebuild and modernize its operations. The paper’s plans to use the funds for sustainability efforts and industry partnerships align perfectly with your mission to develop long-term sustainable models for local journalism.
It’s important to note that the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has offered its support to the Argus. Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President and CEO of the NNPA, has highlighted that similar challenges are being faced by Black publishers across the country who have received grants from the Press Forward Initiative. This broader context underscores the importance of supporting historically Black publications like the Argus as they navigate the changing media landscape.
By investing in the Argus, you are not only preserving a historic Black institution but also contributing to the revitalization of local news in a traditionally underserved community. The Argus’s commitment to informing and empowering its community aligns perfectly with Press Forward’s goal of re-centering local journalism as a force for community cohesion, civic participation, and government accountability.
I urge you to consider the unique position and importance of the St. Louis Argus as you review their grant status. Supporting the Argus means supporting the voice of St. Louis’s Black community and furthering the cause of diverse, community-focused journalism.
Thank you for your consideration and your commitment to reimagining local news.
Sincerely,
Adolphus M. Pruitt, II, President
St. Louis City NAACP
4811 Delmar, St. Louis, Mo. 63108
314-361-8600 office
314-479-4427 cell
pruitt@stlouisnaacp.org
About Press Forward:
Press Forward is a national coalition investing more than $500 million to strengthen local newsrooms, close longstanding gaps in journalism coverage, advance public policy that expands access to local news, and to scale the infrastructure the sector needs to thrive. Join the movement.
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After winning a $100K Requisite grant from Press Forward, The St. Louis Argus battles with Editor Sarah Fenske to retain the prize
A former employee of the now-defunct Riverfront Times is calling for an investigation into St. Louis Argus’ publishing tactics. Sarah Fenske, Executive Editor of St. Louis Magazine, is working with multiple outlets to persuade Press Forward to take action.
Explore The St. Louis Argus’ call to action in their latest editorial, highlighting pivotal issues and future directions for local journalism.
#StLouisArgus #JournalismMatters #LocalNews
