July 21
The New Orleans Tribune, the first black daily newspaper, was published on July 21, 1864. Created by Charles Louise Roudanez.
Background on the New Orleans Tribune
The Tribune published articles in both English and French to reach not only the citizens of New Orleans but also lawmakers and influential people in other cities. Paul Trevigne and Jean Charles Houzeau were the main contributors and editors, making the bilingual newspaper a standout.
The Cause
The Tribune touched on key issues that affected black people and communities, by advocating for causes like civil rights, public education, and fair wages. The Tribune maintained during important periods in African American history including the Civil War and Reconstruction Era.
The Impact
Not only after its creation, the New Orleans Tribune became one of the most influential newspapers in large part because of its popularity and credibility. Articles published during the newspaper’s 6 year tenure, circulated to other newspapers in the U.S. and made it onto the floor of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Sources
Stake Claim or Take Flight: The Birth of Southern Conventions after the Civil War (July 17, 2021) The New Orleans Tribune. Retrieved from https://coloredconventions.org/southern-conventions/biographies/new-orleans-tribune/
Partin, E. (2011, January 05). La Tribune de la Nouvelle-Orléans (1864-1868). BlackPast.org. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/la-tribune-de-la-nouvelle-orleans-1864-1868/
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