It’s always interesting for a reporter or a newspaper to be the focus of the news, but we have been mentioned on three recent occasions.
First of all, the paper was cited in the obituary of Dr. Clarence Jones. Jones, who died May 28, and was once a part-owner of the Amsterdam News. Last Saturday, the paper was cited when Don Rojas received an honorary doctor of letters from the University of the West Indies. Among his journalistic achievements, he was at one time the executive editor of the Amsterdam News. Finally, the AmNews will be one of the sites included in the National Urban League’s Legacy Tour on Oct. 14.
These reports come as the paper is in the process of transforming its historic headquarters into a museum and a national center honoring the Black press. The project is slated to open sometime next year. Included in the conversion, along with the multi-faceted museum, are an archive, community space, a lounge, a café, a gallery, and exhibition space.
A restored 1930s-style newsroom with research archives will be installed on the fourth floor. It will be a veritable one-stop in Harlem for the news; historical research; and a chance to hobnob with writers and community leaders, and grab a bite to eat.
Knowing what we do about the creative thinkers behind this renovation, including its editorial chief and her staff, there are sure to be some technological and innovative aspects we have no way of conceiving at the moment.
For a renowned publication covering the news, it’s awesome to discover it is also making the news.
