From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

Southern Press Association [Negro newspapers]

The Southern Press Association (SPA) [Negro newspapers] was an impromptu organization formed during a gathering at the Atlanta Independent on June 30, 1905 (not to be confused with the Southern Press Association for white-owned newspapers). The organization was said to be the suggestion of John H. Murphy, editor of the Afro-American Ledger (Baltimore). During the 1905 meeting, Murphy was named president of the Southern Press Association (SPA). There were two members from Kentucky: W. H. Steward, editor of the American Baptist, was named second vice president; and R. T. Berry, editor of the Kentucky Reporter, was a member of the executive committee. Ida B. Wells-Barnett was also a member of the organization.

The SPA office was located at 126 1/2 S. Pryor Street in Atlanta, GA,; SPA Secretary, B. J. Davis of the Atlanta Independent was in charge of the office. Members of the American Press Association [Negro newspapers] questioned why the SPA had been formed, and Ida B. Wells-Barnett was criticized for not explaining the reason for the formation of the organization. The SPA was a short-lived organization.

For more see "Press association organized," Baltimore Afro-American, 07/29/1905, p. 5; and "Ida B. Wells-Barnett," vol. 15, in Black Women in United States History, by D. C. Hine.

Kentucky County & Region

Read about Jefferson County, Kentucky in Wikipedia.
Read about Daviess County, Kentucky in Wikipedia.

Kentucky Place (Town or City)

Read about Louisville, Kentucky in Wikipedia.
Read about Owensboro, Kentucky in Wikipedia.

Outside Kentucky Place Name

Item Relations

Cite This NKAA Entry:

“Southern Press Association [Negro newspapers],” Notable Kentucky African Americans Database, accessed July 26, 2024, https://nkaa.uky.edu/nkaa/index.php/items/show/2393.

Last modified: 2020-06-19 19:56:59