For 37 years, the Chattanooga News Chronicle has made sure that African American voices, accomplishments, and experiences have a permanent place in Chattanooga’s story.
Founded by John Edwards, the newspaper was born from the belief that something was missing from the city’s media landscape but a publication dedicated to telling the stories of African Americans with the depth and passion they deserved.
“As far as print, [we needed] a voice that could tell our story,” Edwards says. “Our victories, our successes, our accomplishments, both young and old. And we do a lot of things in this community.”
That mission grew out of Edwards’ own connection to Chattanooga’s history and the civil rights movement. His father was a civil rights leader, and Edwards recalls growing up around figures and events that would become part of the nation’s history.
His early work with the Mary Walker Historical and Educational Foundation, an organization founded by his father and dedicated to promoting literacy and African American history. It also helped shape his commitment to preserving the past.
Edwards developed historical exhibits using his background in art and history, including exhibits on the civil rights movement and Black soldiers that eventually appeared in well-known venues and helped contribute to the preservation of African American history in the region.
The News Chronicle became another extension of that work as a living historical record, documenting the people, institutions, challenges, and achievements of a community that Edwards says has been “a significant part of this community” from Chattanooga’s earliest years.
The paper, lasting nearly 4 decades in business has required far more than a strong mission. Edwards describes the journey as a continuing struggle, particularly as traditional print journalism has faced declining circulation, evolution of consumer habits, and the rise of digital and social media.
“Being a small newspaper in this community, there are a lot of challenges in the media and trying to just stay alive, keep alive,” he explains, noting that print media has suffered across the country as news consumption has moved increasingly online.
The Chattanooga News Chronicle responded by establishing an online presence while maintaining its print edition, refusing to abandon readers who still value the physical newspaper.
“We are committed to telling and covering the same stories that kept us afloat.” Edwards says. “Then there’s other things that are new and different that, you know, we run into from time to time. And we like to do something different. You know, people like change.”
Along the way, the organization has received recognition as Minority Business of the Year multiple times and has been honored by organizations including the NAACP and Urban League for its contributions.
Today, for Edwards, the newspaper is about more than business, it is something he has nurtured for decades.
“This is a love story,” he explains. “It’s our child and we’re raising it, and we want to make sure that we do the best that we can to take care of it and hopefully we can pass it on and make it better in each generation.”
As 37 years in business is a very significant accomplishment, Edwards, his family, and team will be honoring the milestone with a big celebration and the public is invited. The event is scheduled for 6pm on Friday September 18th at Greater Tucker Baptist Church.
Tickets are available for purchase, and you can find them on the papers official site.
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