Ben Crump Pledges $50K to the Black Press, Challenges Others to Follow His Lead

Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The Conrad Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., pulsed with urgency and history as the Black Press of America gathered for its Annual National Leadership Awards and Reception. Honorees included House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, Congressional Black Caucus Chair, Yvette Clarke, and Communications Workers of America President, Claude Cummings Jr., who also serves on the Democratic National Committee’s Executive Committee. Speaking on the Red Carpet to the Black Press’ Let It Be Known Morning News Show; Cummings delivered a pointed message: “Democrats need to spend money now with the Black Press. The Black Press has always been that vehicle in our community that we’ve all needed and that has always been the trusted voice.”

For nearly two centuries, the Black Press has served as that trusted voice—printing the truth when others refused. It showed the world the mutilated image of Emmett Till, amplified the words of Dr. King, and guided families through segregation and struggle. But with its 200th Anniversary approaching, the Black Press faces unprecedented challenges.

Attorney Ben Crump, often called “Black America’s Attorney General,” brought both urgency and action to the evening. Taking the stage, Crump addressed leaders in the room, including NAACP President, Derrick Johnson and Board Chair, Leon Russell. “Right now, in America we’re under attack like we’ve never been in our lifetime,” he said. “We need institutions that are disseminating information to our people, being the clarion call for us to be ready to fight for our children and our communities. Nobody carries the Black narrative more passionately than the Black Press.”

Crump denounced cuts to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and warned of broader attacks on Black institutions. Yet he emphasized self-determination: “We don’t need them to save us. We are going to save ourselves. We are all we need.”

He reminded the audience of their duty to give back. “If you’ve been blessed, you got to pass the blessing on. You can’t keep it to yourself. Everybody’s got a role to play—the lawyers, the doctors, the bankers, the insurance agents. Even if you’re not on the front line, you have a responsibility to use your seat at the table to speak truth to power.”

Quoting fellow Attorney Billy Murphy, Crump said, “We’ve got enough African Americans who are educated and articulate. What we lack is enough African Americans with the courage to speak truth to power.” He called for unapologetic defense of Black life and liberty, insisting that actions must match words.

Then, Crump acted—pledging $50,000 to the Black Press, spread over five years. His donation was both a commitment and a challenge to others: “Right now we’ve got to support our own.”

With the Black Press’ Bicentennial on the horizon, leaders are urging individuals and institutions to step forward with sponsorships, advertising, and partnerships. A GoFundMe Campaign has been launched to secure its survival.

“The Black Press is needed more than ever before,” Crump declared. His words—and his gift—underscored the urgent call to sustain the Trusted Voice of the Black Community.