Louisiana Weekly: A Century of African-American Journalism in New Orleans
Founded in an era of profound social division, the Louisiana Weekly stands as one of the oldest African-American newspapers still in circulation today. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, this weekly publication was established to provide a voice for the people of color, focusing on stories and issues that mainstream media often ignored. With a mission to enlighten, ennoble, and empower, the paper has evolved into a vital multicultural news medium for south Louisiana.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1925 by C.C. Dejoie and Orlando Taylor.
- Headquarters: New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Circulation: Estimated weekly reach of 6,500.
- Focus: African-American community interests, social justice, and multicultural news.
- Archive: Past issues are preserved by the Amistad Research Center of New Orleans.
The Founding and Early Years
The Louisiana Weekly first appeared on September 19, 1925, originally under the name The New Orleans Herald. The name was changed to the Louisiana Weekly in October of that same year. The founders, Constant C. Dejoie Sr. and Orlando Capitola Ward Taylor, operated out of the Pythian Temple Building at 234 Loyola Avenue. The debut issue featured a chronicle of the life of Professor John Wesley Work, a noted educator and singer.
The publication's early success was driven by a dedicated team who often worked without pay to ensure the paper's survival. C.C. Dejoie provided an initial investment of $2,000 and leveraged his business connections to grow the readership. Orlando Taylor, a former principal and teacher, took a leave of absence from the New Orleans Public School system to serve as editor during the critical early years. He was supported by his wife, Marceline Bucksell Taylor, and Dejoie's wife, Vivian, whose friendship and mutual support helped stabilize the venture.
Pioneering Contributors
The paper's quality was enhanced by specialized talent. Louis Peter Bucksell, a pharmacist and passionate photographer, provided high-quality imagery from his own development studio. Emmanuel Gregoire, another educator and principal, handled much of the administrative work and writing. Additionally, Joseph “Scoop” Jones emerged as one of the publication's most talented early journalists, serving as a reporter, columnist, and photographer.
Editorial Focus and Social Impact
Throughout its history, the Louisiana Weekly has mirrored the struggles and triumphs of the African-American experience. It has consistently covered social justice issues, ranging from education and politics to environmental threats, such as hydrofluoric acid contamination at a local refinery.
The newspaper played a significant role in documenting and advocating for civil rights, covering pivotal events and figures including:
- The 1963 March on Washington.
- The Black Power Movement and the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense.
- The landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case.
- The legacies of Martin Luther King Jr. and W.E.B. DuBois.
One of the paper's most tangible achievements was a five-week series advocating for the extension of defense training to public schools, a proposal that was subsequently implemented by the Superintendent of Schools.
Resilience Through Crisis
The Louisiana Weekly has faced significant challenges, most notably during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The flooding caused a temporary interruption in print publication and forced the newspaper to relocate from New Orleans. This period saw a shift in content toward government accountability and criticism regarding the disaster response.
Despite the displacement of many subscribers to cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York, the paper remained a lifeline for those seeking accurate coverage of current events in New Orleans. Today, it continues to serve a diverse audience, including a Spanish-language page dedicated to the Central American population in south Louisiana.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Dejoie family |
| Founding Year | 1925 |
| Tagline | "Your Multicultural News Medium" |
| Primary Language | English (with Spanish-language page) |
| Key Archive | Amistad Research Center |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Louisiana Weekly?
The newspaper was founded in 1925 by Constant C. Dejoie Sr. and Orlando Capitola Ward Taylor.
What was the original name of the newspaper?
The paper was originally called The New Orleans Herald before changing its name to the Louisiana Weekly in October 1925.
How did Hurricane Katrina affect the publication?
Hurricane Katrina interrupted print publication in August and September 2005 and forced the newspaper to move out of New Orleans, leading to a period of instability and a shift in editorial focus toward government accountability.
What topics does the Louisiana Weekly cover?
While it emphasizes social justice, politics, and African-American community interests, it also covers sports, business, education, health, entertainment, and tourist advice.
Where can past issues of the newspaper be found?
Past issues of the Louisiana Weekly are archived by the Amistad Research Center of New Orleans.