As a member of this community, I have seen firsthand how the powerful forces of family, community, and love can intertwine and propel our overall mission forward. One of the reasons I felt honored to be on this board was because The Black Lens isn’t just a newspaper that’s reporting the news–it is about telling the stories of the people, inspiring minds, uplifting voices, encouraging change, and ensuring that our collective truths are heard and honored.
Family is the root from which our sense of belonging and responsibility grows. Just as a tree relies on its roots for stability and nourishment, our newspaper thrives because of the deep connections and support we receive from the families within our community. The families that have been here, the families that are growing, and the families that are trying to find their place within the community. The stories we tell are those of our neighbors, our elders, our youth – people who shape the very fabric of our existence.
Community, like the branches of a strong tree, extends in all directions, reaching and connecting us. It is through the dedication of our community members – our readers, writers, future sponsors and volunteers – that we continue to exist. Each contribution, whether a shared story, a donated resource, or a helping hand at an event, strengthens our purpose and deepens our impact. This newspaper is not just a publication; it is a communal effort, a space where every voice matters, and where every story adds to the larger narrative of who we are.
At the heart of it all is love. Love is photosynthesis – the process by which our families and community use the light of others to synthesize the needed elements that can nourish our growth as a community. Love fuels our commitment to this work. Love drives the late nights spent crafting meaningful articles, the relentless pursuit of truth, and the desire to shed light on important issues that matter to our people. Love is the force that reminds us that our newspaper is not just ink on paper but a beacon of hope, education, and unity.
When family, community, and love align, we accomplish incredible things. We meet the needs of our publication by working together, by holding each other accountable, and by ensuring that no story goes untold. We thrive when our readers see themselves reflected in our pages, when businesses invest in our mission and grow because of it, and when volunteers lend their valuable time to help us and keep us moving forward.
This newspaper belongs to all of us. It is a testament to what we can achieve when we nurture our roots, strengthen our branches, and let love be our guiding force. Together, we continue to tell our stories, empower our voices, and ensure that our newspaper remains a living, breathing part of our shared experience.