Title
Proclamation recognizing and honoring New Pittsburgh Courier as one of the most historical publications produced in Allegheny County's history.
Body
WHEREAS, throughout the twentieth century, our nation was home to great individuals and groups who influenced an innumerable amount of historical events that changed the landscape of our great society; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Courier was established in 1907 by Edwin Harleston, a security guard in the H.J. Heinz food-packing plant and an aspiring writer, and it was later purchased and transformed into a national entity by Robert Lee Vann in 1910; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh Courier became the country's most widely circulated black newspaper in the 1930s and 1940s, and contributed to the toppling of America's racial divide by giving African Americans a determined, equal and sonic voice in the everyday world; and
WHEREAS, the newspaper was one of the first print publications to object to the misinterpretations of African Americans in the mainstream media; it endorsed socially-conscious political candidates, supported important black athletes, and publicized the voices of African-American soldiers abroad; and
WHEREAS, today, the paper is known as the New Pittsburgh Courier, and consistently brings attention to our region. A feature focusing on 50 of the most influential men in Allegheny County is published yearly and enhances the county's most recognizable and important African Americans;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that on behalf of the citizens of Allegheny County, this council recognizes the New Pittsburgh Courier as one of the most historical publications this great county has produced. We hope the newspaper continues to help our nation's society progress into the future.