The Atlanta Daily World is the city’s oldest continuously publishing Black-owned newspaper, and one of its oldest Black-owned businesses. It has been serving the community since Aug. 5, 1928. Founded by W.A. Scott II, it became the nation’s first Black-owned 20th century daily on March 12, 1932. Through the years, it has remained family-owned and operated. It now publishes once a week on Thursday, and can be read daily online at www.atlantadailyworld.com.
In its 83-year history, the newspaper has reported on the vast and growing African-American population in the metropolitan Atlanta region. It has a rich history of community service and leadership. Following the untimely death of founder W.A. Scott II in 1934, C. A. Scott — one of the brothers of the founder — became editor and general manager. Scott continued in this role for an unprecedented 63 years. In August 1997, M. Alexis Scott — granddaughter of the founder – was elected publisher, president and chairman of the Board of Directors of Atlanta Daily World Inc. The family-owned corporation is currently managed by a five-member board of directors made up of two generations of Scott Family members.
In addition to its heritage, the newspaper became a brand in 2009 when it partnered with the joint venture of Atlanta Retail Management and Areas to open three “Atlanta Daily World” newsstands at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. It is the first and only Black-owned media outlet to have its name on any airport newsstand in the United States.
The Atlanta Daily World has been in the forefront of many campaigns to improve the community. In the 1940s, the newspaper was the first Black publication to receive credentials to cover the White House and the Congress. Being a daily was a requirement for credentials. The paper in conjunction with the National Newspaper Publishers Association hired a correspondent who covered the Congress and the White House for all Black newspapers in the nation.
In addition to its coverage, the paper led voter registration efforts; challenged the all-White Democratic Party
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