Thanks to YOU—The Roanoke Tribune is now 76 years old—and still growing—and still “All in the (same) Family!”
This year marks another giant milestone of survival for “The paper with a purpose” that has been “Making and recording Black History since 1939.”
Although all forms of media have some purpose what distinguishes us is that purpose. Even the purpose of this small voice is different under the present editor and staff than that of my father’s, founding editor, F.E. Alexander, 76 years ago. My purpose however, remains the same as when I took the helm (reluctantly) after purchasing the paper from my father following his Fourth of July auto accident in 1971.
In view of changing times, laws and circumstances my purpose remains three-fold: *to promote self esteem; *to encourage respect for self and the differences in others; and *to be instrumental in fostering lasting vehicles through which diverse peoples can unite on some common voluntary basis.
The first purpose is common among most well established media initially prior to becoming remotely aware of its influential power. Few indeed of any race, religious or political persuasion can be found to responsibly handle power or powerful positions unconditionally. Such would require refraining from membership in anything or allegiance to any person, place or thing that would require prejudicial treatment-–which invariably goes with the territory. It also requires open minded, unbiased treatment of news and special events with personal opinions confined to editorial commentary–that can also become very influential. Abuse of the power of any media reduces it from one of information to one of degradation and manipulation. It takes special diligence, special people and special Divine love (that flows through people) to keep from abusing any freedoms-–especially the multi-faceted media, comparable to the veins and arteries of the human body through which life-sustaining fluids flow. If nourishment is pumped through a healthy body results. If poison is constantly pumped through, sickness and death inevitably result–society no exception.
As we turn on today’s newscasts let’s view them with more scrutiny. Observe the obvious slant of most to sway opinions any given way and especially for or against any particular individual or group of individuals. Ironically enough primetime “entertainment” is even more persuasive in influencing demoralizing and criminal attitudes and behavior. We take great pride and pleasure in our “freedom of speech” (in action). Let’s be more vigilant and pro-active in expressing our opinions and collective influence about what is being fed to us through today’s increasing demoralizing “free speech” multi-medias. Consider especially its early negative effects on today’s children and youth with its open vulgarity and promiscuity. Don’t continue to “sin by silence.” You would be amazed at the “Power of the People!..however small the original numbers.
Among the innumerable prayers shared with the world through the Baha’i Revelation for this New Day is one we instill in children from earliest age: “O God, make me to grow as a tender herb in the garden of Thy grace, that the gentle winds of Thy Will may stir me up and bend me into conformity in such wise that my movement and my stillness will be wholly directed by Thee…”
At this important benchmark The Roanoke Tribune takes pride in its historic past, its strategic present and eagerly looks forward to a future that continues to draw this valley and far, far beyond across all man-made barriers through the powerful “Magnet of Love.”
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