Historic Appointment Breaks Barriers
Leroy Chapman Jr. was named the newspaper’s new editor-in-chief, becoming the first Black person to lead the esteemed publication in its 156-year history.
This significant appointment marks a milestone for diversity and representation in the media landscape.
A Seasoned Journalist with Local Roots
Chapman, 53, is a native of Greenville, South Carolina, and has nearly three decades of experience in the journalism industry. He spent the previous 12 years at the Journal-Constitution, serving as its managing editor since 2021. Publisher Andrew Morse expressed confidence in Chapman’s abilities, stating:
“There’s truly nobody better suited to lead this newsroom. He has the respect of the newsroom, he is an innovative thinker, and he has the highest journalistic standard that you could imagine.”
Overcoming Generational Barriers
For Chapman, this appointment held profound personal significance. Growing up just one generation removed from the segregated South his father and grandfathers experienced, he reflects on his family’s journey:
“My family traces its history back to Colonial times. There is an arc from seeing my family on census reports listed as property all the way to this. It is a fantastic American story.”
Serving a Diverse Community
Atlanta is known for its diversity, with Black people making up 48% of the city’s population and the metropolitan area boasting the second-highest number of Black-owned businesses in America. Morse acknowledges the importance of having a Black editor-in-chief in this context, stating:
“It’s significant that the Journal-Constitution will have a Black editor-in-chief in a city known for its diversity.”
A Vision for Inclusive Storytelling
As he is now at the helm, Chapman aims to build upon the Journal-Constitution’s legacy of impactful journalism while amplifying voices and stories that may have been overlooked in the past.
“We are good at providing you with the most important things happening,” he told the paper. “Sometimes we do not spend enough time telling stories about people and celebrating Atlanta’s big moments.”
