WS Chronicle

By Bridget Elam

As The Chronicle celebrates its 50th year of news reporting, we are taking the time to soak in this huge milestone.  On September 5, 1974, the first issue was published.  Approximately 1,300 issues later, The Chronicle is still the most-respected, African American newspaper in Winston-Salem.  None of this would be possible without the vision and foresight of Ernie Pitt and Elaine Pitt. 

A look back

As the Fourth Estate, media is considered an arm of government that is responsible for informing citizens about the functions of our democracy.  Personally, I think media, in its most foundational form, is a public service job.  No different than a police officer, a nurse or a firefighter, the media’s basic function is monitoring the pulse of a community by telling the stories that affect them the most. 

The Black Press was created out of this need.  As recorded to have said, “Too long have others spoken for us,” publishers John B. Russwurm and Samuel Cornish, who owned and published the very first Black-owned, Black-ran newspaper in 1827 (the same year slavery ended in New York), felt the need to report the news.  

The Chronicle was birthed out the need to disseminate news.  Mr. Pitt wanted to report on the state of Black athletes compared to white athletes and no news outlet would publish his article.  So, he did what any passionate and determined person would … started his own business.  Most new businesses start to provide a solution for a problem or to fill a consumer gap.  Mr. Pitt saw The Chronicle as a remedy to a problem and way to fill in the gap. It was simple: news for us, by us. 

Over the years, The Chronicle has been instrumental in reporting, analyzing and celebrating Black news.  We have subscribers that have been subscribers since the first issue.  In addition, our community events have been the flagship of our community engagement.  The Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast garners roughly 1000 attendees each year.  The Gospel and Jazz Fest, held at the Carolina Classic Fair, boasts of hundreds of concert goers.  It is also a platform in which many new artists can showcase their talents.  The David/Lash JV Basketball Tournament is a big draw for fans to get first glance at the up-and-coming basketball prodigies in our area.  Not to mention, our annual Community Service Awards, which honors individuals and organizations for the work they’ve done in the community.  

Looking ahead

Now owned by The Chronicle Media Group, Winston-Salem’s Black newspaper is tasked with navigating the ever-changing landscape of media consumption.  The question is how do we hold on to such a storied tradition, while reaching forward.  The answer may be in our very own tagline: History, Heritage and Culture.  

We remind our supporters of the strides we’ve made over the last 50 years while becoming hyper focused on our community and using the digital tools available to keep us invested in our community and culture. We aim to improve our social footprint and provide more opportunities for Winston-Salem to come together and talk about the issues, celebrate the triumphs and ask questions when things seem unclear.  

We want to express our gratitude to Ernie Pitt and Elaine Pitt!  Without, their vision and foresight, the oldest African American paper in Winston-Salem would not exist.  It took a true visionary to offer another news option for Winston-Salem residents.  

To Ernie and Elaine, we say “Thank you for your service.”