Claude Barnett: Revolutionizing African American Press

The Early Years

Claude Barnett was born in 1889 in Sanford, FL. After moving around to Illinois, he ultimately went on to college at the prestigious Tuskegee University graduating in 2 years with the universities highest award. After graduating in 1906 he went on to work for the postal service in Chicago.

The Development of His Career

Due to the nature of Barnett's career he had the ability to read many newspapers and magazines leading to his fascination in advertising. This interest led him to partner with a cosmetic firm, serving as their advertising manager. He focused on marketing in mainly African American newspapers and felt they had a lack of real news to report. As a result, Barnett decided to start the Associated Negro Press changing the face of African American press in America.

Changing the face of American press

In the beginning of its creating the ANP utilized the reports of other newspapers, however, Barnett eventually built his own team of reporters who were providing stories for newspapers across the country for up to 25$. At their peak the ANP was being used by over 200 newspapers including those over seas in Africa and the West Indies. The creation of this groundbreaking news wire service, is what truly separated Barnett from other notable African Americans in journalism.