Early Beginnings In The Black Press
George Washington Welcome launched his journalism career in Ohio before returning to his native West Virginia. In 1882, he started the Wheeling Times, believed to be the first Black newspaper published in the state.
The weekly paper promoted local Black communities and Republican politics. Welcome networked with white newspapermen too, becoming the first African American voting member of the West Virginia Press Association.
Earning Widespread Recognition
Within a year, Welcome’s paper was listed among 60 “Newspapers Edited by Colored Men” chronicled in an 1882 book by George Washington Williams. The famous journalist and historian likely knew Welcome personally.
Prominent Black editor William Calvin Chase of the Washington Bee also took notice, praising Welcome in 1883 as an “affable gentleman” and “fine writer.” Such flattery from Chase was rare.
Sold Paper To Focus on Republican Organizing
In 1883, Welcome increased the distribution of his paper to a weekly circulation. But after launching a second paper called the Pioneer Press, he sold his stake in 1884 to devote time to Republican political organizing and activism.
For a brief but consequential period, Welcome was a well-regarded voice informing and uplifting Black West Virginians. Though his journalism career was short-lived, it blazed a trail for future Black publishers in the state.
An Overlooked Figure In Black History
While civil rights leader John Robert Clifford is rightly honored today, George Washington Welcome remains obscure. But new research is recognizing Welcome’s forgotten legacy as the brave pioneer who started West Virginia’s Black press in 1882.
He gave early expression to freedom and citizenship at a time when Black communities were still building towards fuller emancipation. By publishing the state’s first Black paper, Welcome overcame prejudice to enlighten and advocate.
