Linda Wallace

It took an African-American newspaper to tell the story.

The Tri-State Defender in Memphis, TN. has been putting some interesting questions to the U.S. Justice Department. Recently, it called upon the U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Tennesse to release information and statistics regarding workplace diversity, fairness, and its decision-making processes. The request came after black leaders complained publicly they were being unfairly targeted by the US Attorney's criminal division.

The disturbing news is the Justice Department declined to release those figures. (This is basic information many corporations make public on their websites.) So the tiny newspaper with the editorial staff of three had to take time from its busy week to file paperwork under the Freedom of Information Act. (Wouldn't you think that an organization charged with protecting civil rights might feel a need to make its own track record public?)

I must disclose that I write regularly for the Tri-State Defender in Memphis, mainly because the man who is executive editor is a friend and life coach. His name is Karanja Ajanaku and he was my co-worker at the Commerical Appeal in the 1980s. Karanja recognizes that the city's future is tied to local leaders ability to improve educational access and accelerate economic growth in the African American community. He is not just an advocate for African American people; he is a voice for a strong economy and a prosperous and secure future.

This past week, the Tri-State dug up another story that many local and national newspapers overlooked or didn't consider important enough to print. You must read this story and send it onto your friends. This is an important bill:

The Justice Integrity Act of 2008 is designed to increase public confidence in the judicial system and identify racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal process. It would establish advisory groups in ten federal districts, under the supervision of the United States Attorney General, to study and determine the extent to which racial and ethnic disparities are found in various stages of the criminal justice system;

People often ask me why we need an African American media, or a NAACP, or any organization that focuses on African American challenges. The Tri-State Defender has answered this question for you today.

We need an African American media because every newspaper has its own priorities for coverage. Minority stories, issues, and views don't always find their way into the daily newspapers. Minority communities need to maintain independent voices so they can broadcast these concerns.

African American media often ask questions that simply may not occur to mainstream reporters. They can publish stories that African American journalists at major dailies can't get into their publications. They view issues through cultural lenses and, thus, help broaden the debates and fill the fountains of knowledge.

No matter if you are white, black, yellow or brown - support the diversity of news voices within your community. (This includes Jewish newspapers,) Take out a subscription today. If you are business, place an ad.

By all means, support the mainstream newspapers as well. We need all of them to ensure the right questions are asked, and a rich diversity of inspirational stories are woven into the tapestry of American history.

(Linda S. Wallace is The Cultural Coach. Her Web site is www.theculturalcoach.com. Her blog, Cultural IQ, is featured at www.tristatedefender.com)

Click here to read: A need be met... (In response to Linda S. Wallace's 'Cultural IQ' post)