Today, we live in a time of widespread social injustice and inequality. But Black American entrepreneur Armstrong Williams' joint purchase of the Baltimore Sun is a source of encouragement and optimism in a bleak world. In my role as a civil rights attorney, I recognize the profound impact that Black entrepreneurship has on increasing economic freedom and intergenerational prosperity for Black Americans. Additionally, I believe this development is emblematic of a broader, consequential story about black entrepreneurship and the role it plays in the lives of black Americans.
The co-acquisition of Williams' paper helps highlight the fundamental truth that economic empowerment overcomes ideological differences. There is no doubt that this purchase was a very courageous move. Gaining a platform like this is not without its detractors, but we are confident that Williams and his partner David Smith will make every effort to ensure truth, transparency, and a variety of diverse points of view. I am. Something some people in today's media forget.
This is extremely important, especially in a society where the media has substantial control over public sentiment and the construction of the narrative. William's co-acquisition of the Baltimore Sun effectively ensures that the experiences, obstacles, and triumphs of Black Americans are not only recognized, but understood and portrayed in an authentic and inclusive way. It will be guaranteed. But more than that, the Baltimore Sun will stand up to detractors of truth in general, ensuring that a newspaper with a once notable reputation for racism stands for honesty, transparency, and realism. It will be.
Ironically, the Baltimore Sun advocated racist ideology, racial discrimination, and even more divisive racist behavior for decades after its founding in 1837. . Today, the Baltimore Sun is co-owned by individuals of the very same race that the paper features. article. But Williams would argue that his race doesn't matter. He is one of the most colorblind people I know. However, although he refrains from judging individuals according to fixed attributes, he nevertheless acknowledges the plight of black Americans.
William's life stands as an enduring testament to the tenacity and determination that shaped the course of America's black communities. It is important to point out to young Black children that their ambitions are not limited by socio-economic factors or the color of their skin. The success achieved by Mr. Williams should serve as a model and provide a clear path to achieving lasting financial independence. These are fundamental elements in the continued pursuit of social progress and equality.
Newspapers play a vital role in communities. They create jobs and internships. It helps local businesses get recognized and local heroes get noticed. They do all this not just because it's profitable, but because it's good for the community the newspaper serves. Now, with Williams at the helm of The Sun, the newspaper is creating internships for underprivileged youth, recognizing businesses in need of support and spotlighting people who give back to their communities. can do. Newspaper publishers can do all this independently and without fear.
For the Black community, this has special meaning given the continued economic hardship. With Mr. Williams as co-owner, it is my expectation that he will do everything possible to ensure The Sun provides economic empowerment for the Black community. More than that, there is no doubt that Williams' co-ownership will usher in a new era of journalism and the profession in Baltimore. By restoring local ownership of newspapers, funds are reinvested into the community. Additionally, the profession would benefit from William's example as a man of integrity and courage. Undoubtedly, it will allow journalists to re-establish the time-honored ethics of journalism that have been lost today.
As an important step toward continued economic equality and empowerment, Armstrong Williams' co-ownership of the Baltimore Sun represents a monumental achievement. Despite political divisions, economic freedom and a path to wealth creation have proven beyond doubt to remain an essential element in empowering Black Americans to determine their own destiny. . This achievement should be celebrated as a positive step forward toward greater representation, permeating all aspects of American life and needing to amplify the voices of Black Americans beyond the media.
Benjamin Crump (bencrump.com; X: @AttorneyCrump) is a prominent civil rights attorney. Some of his clients include the families of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Tavon Martin, Tamir Rice, and Breonna Taylor.
