The Miami Times: A Century of African-American Journalism in South Florida
For over a century, The Miami Times has served as a vital voice for the African-American community in South Florida. Established during an era of significant social transition, this weekly newspaper has evolved from a modest home-based operation into a resilient institution of local journalism, maintaining a family legacy across four generations.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1923 by Henry Ethelbert Sigismund Reeves.
- Location: Miami, Florida, United States.
- Frequency: Weekly newspaper.
- Current Owner: Garth Basil Reeves, III.
- Legacy: A family-owned publication spanning four generations.
The Founding and Early Years
The Miami Times was established in 1923 by Henry Ethelbert Sigismund Reeves, a Bahamian immigrant with a vision for community representation. In its earliest days, the publication was a grassroots effort; Reeves printed the weekly edition using a small hand press located right inside his own home.
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A Multi-Generational Legacy
The stewardship of the newspaper has remained within the Reeves family for over 100 years, ensuring a consistent commitment to its mission. Following the founder, the leadership transitioned through the following lineage:
- Garth Reeves: Succeeded his father as editor and publisher in 1970.
- Rachel Janie Reeves: Took over the mantle in 1994.
- Garth Basil Reeves III: The current publisher and great-grandson of the founder.
Strategic Evolution under Rachel Janie Reeves
When Rachel Janie Reeves became publisher in 1994, she implemented critical business and structural changes to ensure the paper's survival in a competitive media landscape. To better compete with larger publications like the Miami Herald, she transitioned the paper's format from a tabloid (a smaller, compact newspaper size) to a broadsheet (a larger, traditional newspaper format).
Beyond the physical layout, Rachel focused on the quality of the journalism by increasing staff pay to attract top talent. These strategic shifts are credited with retaining the paper's loyal readership while successfully attracting new audiences.
Publication Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Henry Ethelbert Sigismund Reeves |
| Year Established | 1923 |
| Headquarters | Miami, Florida |
| Language | English |
| Current Publisher | Garth Basil Reeves, III |
| Official Website | miamitimesonline.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded The Miami Times?
The newspaper was founded in 1923 by Henry Ethelbert Sigismund Reeves, who was an immigrant from the Bahamas.
How has the newspaper's format changed over time?
Under the leadership of Rachel Janie Reeves starting in 1994, the publication transitioned from a tabloid format to a broadsheet format to remain competitive with other local newspapers.
Who is the current publisher of the paper?
The current publisher is Garth Basil Reeves III, the great-grandson of the original founder.
Where is The Miami Times based?
The newspaper is headquartered in Miami, Florida, and serves the South Florida region.
How was the paper originally printed?
In its early years, Henry E. Sigismund Reeves printed the weekly newspaper using a small hand press in his home.