Talking SCHOP! Something new, something old, something great

The New York Amsterdam News continues its legacy as one of the oldest Black-owned newspapers in the United States, delivering award-winning racial justice journalism since its founding in 1909. With a commitment to covering stories mainstream media often overlooks, the publication remains a vital voice for Black New Yorkers and beyond.

Founded by James Henry Anderson in the San Juan Hill neighborhood of Upper Manhattan, the Amsterdam News takes its name from Amsterdam Avenue, where Anderson first published the paper from his home. What began with a $10 investment has grown into a cornerstone of African-American media, recognized for its historical significance and ongoing impact.

Today, the newspaper operates as a tabloid weekly under the Amnews Corporation, headquartered at 2340 Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem. Under the leadership of President Penda Howell and Editor Elinor Tatum, the Amsterdam News maintains a circulation of 2,000 mailed copies and 10,000 newsstand copies as of 2022, continuing to serve its community with trusted reporting.

The publication has a storied history of amplifying Black voices, having published columns by influential figures such as W. E. B. Du Bois, Roy Wilkins, and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. It was likewise the first to recognize and publish Malcolm X, cementing its role in chronicling pivotal moments in civil rights history.

From 1916 to 1938, the Amsterdam News operated from the New York Amsterdam News Building on Seventh Avenue in Harlem, a structure now designated as a National Landmark. This enduring legacy reflects the newspaper’s deep roots in the cultural and political life of Black America.

As the media landscape evolves, the Amsterdam News adapts while staying true to its mission. Readers can support its work through digital-only subscriptions at $6 per month or print and digital bundles at $8 per month, ensuring the continuation of its 115-year tradition of fearless, independent journalism.

Whether highlighting cultural achievements like Pratt’s Black Dress Talks, covering education initiatives such as The Armory College Prep, or reporting on civic issues including NYPD gang database advocacy and public school suspension trends, the Amsterdam News remains dedicated to telling the stories that matter.

In an era where representation and truth in media are more important than ever, the New York Amsterdam News stands as a testament to the power of Black-owned press—rooted in history, relevant in the present, and essential for the future.