The legacy of Bernal E. Smith II, past Tri-State Defender publisher/editor, took center stage on Wednesday, March 18, as he was posthumously enshrined into the Distinguished Publishers Gallery during the Black Press Reception at Howard University.
Held as part of Black Press Week and hosted by the National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund in partnership with the Howard University Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, the recognized Smith’s indelible impact on Black journalism and the communities it serves.
The reception, themed “Celebrating 199 Years of Black Press Publishing,” brought together journalists, publishers, scholars and community leaders in a setting that was both reflective and purposeful. As attendees gathered, the Howard University Choir delivered a moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” setting a tone of reverence, pride and historical continuity.
Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, reflected on the mission of Black-owned media.
“The Black Press of America has never been just about news,” Chavis said. “It has always been about freedom, justice, dignity and self-determination.”
His words echoed throughout the ceremony — reinforcing the very principles that defined Smith’s life and work.
Presented by Karen Carter Richards, publisher of the Forward Times and chair of the NNPAF, the enshrinement recognized Smith as a visionary leader within the industry.
“Bernal E. Smith II represented the promise of a new generation of publishers who understood both the historic responsibility and the evolving possibilities of Black-owned media,” Richards said. “As publisher of the Tri-State Defender, he embraced the proud tradition of advocacy journalism while bringing fresh energy, innovative ideas and bold thinking to the future of this industry.”
Richards said Smith was widely regarded as one of the rising leaders in NNPA. “His passion for the mission of the Black Press was unmistakable. He believed deeply in its power to inform, uplift and protect the interests of African American communities across the nation,” she stated.
“Bernal was not only a publisher — he was a visionary. He consistently brought new ideas, new strategies and renewed enthusiasm to the NNPA.”
Smith’s family members — his wife, Towanda Peete-Smith, daughter Brianna Smith-Herman (this writer), and sister Cher Smith — accepted the honor on his behalf.
“The support and commitment to preserving Bernal’s work means the world to our family, friends and community. To see him enshrined today is an incredible tribute to a man who gave his heart and soul to his industry,” said Towanda Peete-Smith. “Bernal understood that the responsibility of being a publisher was a sacred trust.”
The Black Press Archives and Gallery of Distinguished Newspaper Publishers was conceived by William O. Walker, editor-publisher of the Cleveland Call and Post, who envisioned a space dedicated to preserving and celebrating the contributions of Black journalists.
Established in 1973 at Howard University in partnership with the NNPA, the gallery stands as a permanent tribute to those who have shaped the landscape of Black media.
“William O. Walker had a vision for a gallery space where you could come (and) reflect on the importance of those who contributed to the Black Press,” said Brandon Nightingale, a senior project manager for the Black Press Archives.
This year’s Black Press Week focused on the theme “Truth, Trust, and Technology: Approaching 200 Years of the Black Press in a Transforming Information Age.”
While also commemorating the March 16, 1827 founding of Freedom’s Journal, the first Black newspaper published in the United States, the gathering brought together leaders across media, academia and technology to examine the future of Black-owned media.
A fireside discussion further explored how Black-owned outlets can leverage emerging technologies while maintaining the authenticity and cultural responsibility that has long defined the Black Press.
Still, as the conversation looked ahead, Smith’s enshrinement served as a reminder that the future of Black media is firmly rooted in the legacy of those who came before — leaders who understood that telling our stories is not just a profession, but a purpose.
The moment was both deeply personal and profoundly symbolic for this writer.
Standing alongside my mother and aunt as my father’s name was added to the list of the Black Press pioneers was more than an honor — it was a confirmation of the impact he made. His work, his voice and his vision live on not only in the pages he helped shape, but in the communities he uplifted and the stories he made sure were told.
In a space dedicated to preserving history, his presence now becomes part of something even greater — a reminder that the work of the Black Press is never finished, only passed on.
