About the Publisher
Sherri-o Bonique Horsey Darden
Sherri Darden is the owner and publisher of ScoopUSA Media, the oldest FREE Community paper in the tri-state area. She is first and only Black female 100% owner and publisher of a regularly published newspaper in the city of Philadelphia. As the publisher, Sherri is there. She is in the office and the communities, at programs and events, working with the Community to share our stories and ensure that we tell our stories.
In the past five years, Scoop is evolved and has transitioned from a newspaper to a media platform, hosting the Inside Scoop and working with communities in Philadelphia (and surrounding counties), Chester, Camden, NJ, and Wilmington, DE.
We are digital and in print, and we have an App--that is available on any smartphone/device platform. Scoop has repositioned itself as a viable community media platform and partner, sharing local and national news for our communities.
Background and History
Sherri Darden’s life story is what you would consider a definite Cinderella Story. Our publisher is a product of the City of Philadelphia--her family lived in several areas throughout the City--from Mt. Airy to West and East Oak Lane, Germantown, North Philadelphia, and West Philadelphia. She has lived the trials and tribulations of growing up in the City and has loved and lost...
And, despite all that she saw and lived growing up in Philadelphia, she is a success story. She brings her value of life and knowledge of Life's Challenges--but also its triumphs to Scoop each and every day... And these things are what prompted her to take on Mr. Driver's legacy to continue to promote the "Good" in our communities.
At the age of 26, after losing her grandmother, Sherri was blessed with a part-time job, working with Scoop's Founder, Sonny Driver, for over 20 years. Brought together by Faith and Destiny, Sonny Driver spent over 20 years mentoring Sherri. When he became ill in 2017, she pledged to continue his legacy, "The Legacy of Scoop USA Newspaper."
Sherri began working with Mr. Driver in 1996 as a typist. Shortly after, the Typesetter left the office, leaving Sherri and Mr. Driver to buckle down and get the paper to press. As a novice, it was not an easy time, and the newspaper even made it to print a day late--a time or two, but we made it through, just the two of us. After the initial years of learning to typeset, there were many other staff changes, and Sherri remained on staff as a part-time employee. She worked as the Typesetter and bookkeeper and did whatever was needed.
As the years passed and Mr. Driver became older, he did less and less of the typesetting himself. Instead, he would watch and provide instructions. During this time, you can imagine, Sherri and Mr. Driver had become very close, and she viewed him as a surrogate father. In November 2017, Sherri Darden took the helm of the City of Philadelphia’s oldest FREE African American Community Newspaper. After working for Scoop for over 20 years under the direction of the Founding Publisher, Sherri Darden purchased Scoop and committed to continuing the legacy of educating our communities during Mr. Driver’s last days.
Employment and Education
In addition to working at Scoop, Sherri held a full-time position at the Defender Association of Philadelphia for 29 years. She also worked many part-time jobs--she was a cashier at Shoprite Supermarkets and Walmart and a private typist for attorneys and students. She was introduced to Sonny Driver in August 1996 because he needed a Typist, and she remained on staff as a part-time worker, working every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday until she became the owner.
While working at the Defender and part-time hours at Scoop, Sherri attended Community College as an Accounting Major. She had to start and stop several times because she had difficulty juggling parenting, work, and in-person classes, so she transferred her credits to the University of Phoenix. Sherri enrolled in the University of Phoenix in an accelerated program that met in person initially, and eventually, Sherri transferred online to complete her studies. She graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor's in Business Management and enrolled in the LaSalle University Human Capital Management master’s degree program. She graduated in May 2015 with her Master's Degree in Human Capital Management.
Articles and Videos
Publisher Sherri Darden is providing Black media coverage for Philadelphia
6abc Building It Better Together Town Hall - Black Wealth,
https://6abc.com/town-hall-income-gap-black-wealth-equity/10337473/
New publisher of Philly’s Scoop USA keeps a black-owned newspaper going with faith and own funds https://www.inquirer.com/philly/news/scoop-usa-sherri-horsey-darden-black-owned-newspaper-20180726.html
Primetime Power Show | Interview: Sherri Darden | Show # 221 | 122718 https://primetimepowershow.com/primetime-power-show-interview-sherri-darden-show-221-122718/
Sherri Darden, Scoop publisher