Chester Franklin and The Kansas City Call: Trailblazing Journalism in the Face of Adversity (1919-1955)

In the annals of American journalism, few figures loom as large as Chester Franklin, the visionary founder and editor of The Kansas City Call, an African American newspaper that played a pivotal role in shaping the course of the Civil Rights Movement.

Founded in 1919, The Kansas City Call emerged as a beacon of hope during a time of rampant racial discrimination and segregation. Franklin, a former postal clerk, was a self-taught journalist who recognized the urgent need for a voice that would amplify the concerns and aspirations of the African American community.

The Noble Warrior: Chester Franklin and the Kansas City Call, 1919-1955

by Henry Lewis Suggs

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	533 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	174 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Defying the Odds

The early days of The Kansas City Call were marked by relentless adversity. Franklin faced constant threats and intimidation from white supremacists who sought to silence his paper. The newspaper's offices were repeatedly vandalized, and Franklin himself was the target of numerous death threats.

Undeterred, Franklin refused to be silenced. He believed that the pen was mightier than the sword and that The Kansas City Call had a vital role to play in educating, informing, and empowering the African American community.

A Catalyst for Change

Through its fearless reporting and editorials, The Kansas City Call became a catalyst for change. The newspaper exposed the injustices suffered by African Americans, advocated for equal rights, and challenged the prevailing racial hierarchy.

Franklin's powerful editorials became a rallying cry for the Civil Rights Movement. He urged his readers to fight for their freedom and dignity, and he provided a platform for activists and leaders to share their ideas and strategies.

A Voice for the Voiceless

The Kansas City Call played a crucial role in giving voice to the voiceless. The newspaper covered stories that were ignored by the mainstream press, and it provided a space for African Americans to express their perspectives and experiences.

The Kansas City Call became a lifeline for many African Americans who felt isolated and marginalized. The newspaper fostered a sense of community and pride, and it helped to build a sense of solidarity among its readers.

A Legacy of Excellence

Chester Franklin's contributions to journalism cannot be overstated. He established The Kansas City Call as a powerful force for change, and his legacy continues to inspire journalists and activists to this day.

The Kansas City Call ceased publication in 1955, but its impact continues to reverberate. The newspaper's archives are a valuable resource for scholars and historians, and its legacy serves as a reminder of the transformative power of journalism.

Chester Franklin and The Kansas City Call stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart. In the face of adversity, they defied the odds and created a newspaper that became a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.

The Noble Warrior: Chester Franklin and the Kansas City Call, 1919-1955

by Henry Lewis Suggs

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	533 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	174 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE