Newspapers and Magazines

The press defines the Negro to the Negroes themselves …
the press more than any other institution, has created the Negro group as a special and psychological reality to the individual Negro. For this reason the Negro press is far more than a mere expression of the Negro protest. By expressing the protest, the press also magnifies it, acting like a huge sound board.
Gunnar Myrdal, An American Dilemma

Social Significance

Social protest newspapers and magazines serve two very distinct functions in social protest literature. First, newspapers and magzines act as means to disseminate important information about marginalized groups to marginalized groups. They have a specific target audience, one that is not controlled by the dominant culture. Newspapers and magazines can easily react and relate relevant information to marginalized people. They can cover issues that are of particular relevance to marginalized groups, but might not be of interest to the general public. Secondly, social protest newspapers and magazines are a way to deconstruct myths about marginalized people by providing a realistic portrayal of everyday life.

Social Protest Magazines and Newspapers

• Negro Story
• The Advocate
• The National Era
• International Labor Defense
• Additional African-American Newspapers

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