Freedom to Discuss Past, Current and Future Cultural Norms
This month marks a very important day. An annual day of observation that as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Routes, I hold as near and dear as some of our days honoring leaders within our community and other celebratory days. I refer to May 3rd, World Press Freedom Day, a day in which we show our support for the free media and commemorate journalists and acknowledge the restraint or abolition of press freedom.
From my earliest days working in media publishing, I have been aware of the attacks not only on media outlets in general but also from forces within publications and broadcasters that seek to stifle or quash free expression. I’ve faced it personally — ultimately it was a driving force for starting Routes.
My goal has been to freely share the cultural side of African-Americans. I set out on my own to celebrate our past as well as our continued contributions across the arts. In my own humble way Routes has been a way I can take action and better serve our community.
Please take a look at our staff photo. I feel like a proud father introducing his family to friends. Without the support of my Routes family, our African-American cultural learning and exposure would be even less than the proverbial “Tip of the iceberg.” So we gladly accept your gratitude. Let us hear it from you.
Since 1977, I have stayed the course and even doubled down in my commitment. In truth, I have often had my own doubts and have questioned why I do what I doing. Yet, I continue to learn and further understand the value of our stories, and, of the correspondents who wish to tell them.
On this day, I proudly stand as the publisher of an African-American owned online publication, particularly, in an era where many of other media sources within our community have shuttered or been sold off to outside interests.
So today and throughout the month, we will share articles that in their own way will honor and enjoy our basic freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, petition and of course press.
I invite you to exercise your freedoms and share a thought, idea, or even a criticism in the comment section found below each of our articles this month. Better yet, honor this day by finding an article from 3-days ago, 3 months ago or even 3-decades ago and share it via email or social media.
Exercise your voice and help us amplify our collective voice this day and every day.