As we approach Black History month, we find it imperative that we share the Editorial that was published in the first African American newspaper, Freedom’s Journal, outlining the importance of Black Media and the true need for and meaning of FREE Press, as well as why we need to support and patronize the Black Press.
This editorial was taken directly from the Freedom's Journal. It was written on March 16, 1827. Please read these excerpts, and make note that while the number of years have changed, we still face many of the same problems that we had in 1827. In order to be successful, we must stop this cycle once and for all, and must come together.
See more "Freedom's Journal" SCOOP USA Media, Friday, January 31, 2020 page 2
Many of our readers are familiar with the Scoop story and its history and its importance to the Black Community. As with many print newspapers, we too, have and are struggling to stay in business and continue to be a resource for our community,
Last year this time I took a Leap of Faith with hopes that I could continue the Scoop Legacy and that I could help our community understand the value of Black Media and fact that we must tell our stories, if we want to them told properly. Well, to say the least, I have not been successful. While I attend many events and speak on behalf of all media platforms and encourage people to read, write and support Black media. I don’t think my efforts have helped change the narrative or even initiate the conversation.
I work day in and day out in a primarily one person office and attend events, edit and publish and sometimes deliver this weekly paper and for some reason, everyone wants to be in the paper, but no one... wants to advertise to support the paper or help keep Black media alive. In a time when we need to have our own voices, it is unbelievable. Mainstream media, makes loads of money off of its efforts to diminish the value and image of black and brown people... plastering deaths and negative news at every opportunity possible. Even when there is good news the 1-3 seconds that is devoted to telling those stories is nice but never to the extent of those damaging stories. Yet, we will call and support those venues and gladly share our news with them. I am not writing this update to bash or belittle any venue because the reality is that each of us has a role and in order to be effective we each have to be here to provide that balance. When community forums, go out of business the balance is shifted and you no longer have a variety of news and information, you just have one stream of information which may be right or wrong... but who will question if there is only one.
I say all of this to basically say that I have tried to overcome the obstacles of being a minority newspaper and have supported all those that I have been able to support over the past 20 months; with the goal of remaining a FREE paper that is funded through advertisements. After 20 months, of juggling sales and literally begging for support, I have come to the point in which I have to think of Scoop as a business and not a community initiative... In order to stay in business the paper cannot and will no longer be a FREE newspaper.
Effective the week of August 12, 2019 there will be a .60 cents per paper surcharge. That is $15 for a 1/2 bundle 25 papers and $30 for a full bundle of 50 papers. This fee will pay all costs associated with printing and distribution. We will still ask and encourage people to advertise and use the platform as a means of communicating with the communities we service. However, those places that would normally have the newspaper for FREE distribution will no longer carry the Scoop. For those who have annual subscriptions the $.60 charge will be added to your rates upon renewal. The new rate for mail subscriptions will include the cost of the paper, as well as postage.
If you wish to subscribe and be a carrier for Scoop Publications, please contact the Scoop office 215-309-3139.
I have struggled, prayed and cried over this decision, and have had to realize that If I don’t request the assistance of our readers this paper will cease to exist, as has many other community papers in the Philadelphia area. Black media is definitely struggling and today we account for less that 10% of the news and information that is covered. As the majority of citizens in this city that is a very sad and incomprehensible fact.
I hope that the community will support and read the Scoop and join in our efforts to help our communities tell our own stories.
Read more Publishers Notes, Scoop USA Media, August 2, 2019
Keeping things in perspective. It is important to look at life and the obstacles and curve balls that are thrown our way and really consider the reasons why “Failure is not an option.” Each and every day we are provided with answers to the questions, why we must keep fighting; why the struggle is real and what is at the end of the rainbow. As I travelled to events this weekend, I was Blessed to be reminded of why it is so important to stay the course and to work toward the betterment of our society.
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Lambda Kappa Omega Sorority, Inc.
Crystallites Annual Pancake Breakfast
I started my journey Saturday morning at a Breakfast with the Lamda Kappa Omega Sorority, Inc., Crystallites, a group that was founded by some of my close friends. These women have provided a platform for young ladies which utilizes the principles of the African American sororities and fraternities to teach the young ladies the importance of sisterhood, responsibility and volunteerism, among other things.
The adult members are big sisters to the girls and spend many hours with the young ladies investing time and energy into the development of these grounded young sisters. I was very fortunate to have my daughter enroll in the Crystallites almost five years ago, and I was in awe to see the impact the Crystallites has had on her development. I watched and admired her Saturday as she assisted a younger sister serve customers at their Annual Pancake breakfast at Applebee’s in Jenkintown.
The entire time I was there, I could only think of and be thankful that my daughter is a part of this group and that she had gotten me up and out to experience the Breakfast... This experience helped me to answer some of the questions that were weighing on my heart. It has been said, “And a child will lead you.. As I sat and watched, this adage was reinforced and really helped me understand the need for us to keep trying and working to ensure we touch the lives of as many people as possible. We have to teach adults and kids and help them understand the value of Unity. Its amazing, how strangers can come together and become a family.
Thank you Lambda Kappa Alpha and the Cyrstallites for all you do!!! If you are interested you can look up Lambda Kappa Omega and the Crystallites at https://2577lko.com
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Read More, Scoop USA Media Digital July 5, 2019
I have been told that one thing is certain: Change will come whether you want it or not. And, for Scoop, change has definitely come and it is not by choice, but a necessity.
I am sure many of you have read my monthly updates and are aware of the struggles that I have had trying to communicate the value of BlackMedia and the value of the people who read Scoop every week. There has been some success, and people are starting to recognize the Scoop as an important media source for the Community. But it is still a slow and steady progression. There many times that I find myself juggling, more than I did as a single parent, to make ends meet. Often with no staff and/or a skeleton staff. And, I definitely have bills that I didn’t have this time last year. But I have chalked all this up to a learning experience and the nuts and bolts of owning your own business. While there are definitely some challenges, there are also Win/Wins.
Read more Scoop USA Media, December 7, 2018
Over the past seven months, I have tried to write a column at least once a month to share my journey with you, my supporters and Scoop family, as I try to fill the void that was left by Sonny Driver...
To say the least, I knew when this started, that I would never fill his shoes but I would definitely try to do my best to ensure that Scoop flourished.
For the many of you who have read my story, you know that I have been running this paper, on a midnight schedule, working my lifetime, full time job during the day, and at night and on weekends I’m here at Scoop. Well, I am finally understanding the value of giving 100% and I have learned that I definitely cannot give the community my full attention, if I am at work somewhere else... So, my latest lesson has been understanding and accepting the fact, that I need to take a Leap of Faith, and let go, and let God. “Trust and Faith”
Read more Publisher's Notes with Sherri Darden. in of this weeks latest news, and check out ou columnists on Scoop USA Newspaper, June 1, 2018
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Let Scoop Help you find your Voice,,, Many of us have been trained to keep our opinions to ourselves... Scoop is here to give you a Platform to share your stories and opinions....
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As members of the Community, Scoop and its columnist are directly impacted by and share the same concerns of our Readers... We are a part of the Community, and as a result the columns that are submitted are reflective of the current Community Concerns