Longest-running Black Newspaper in Chattanooga History: 1989-2026
By F. R. (Imani) Edwards
March this year, 2026, Chattanooga News Chronicle became the longest running black newspaper in Chattanooga history. The newspaper, locally owned and operated by John L. Edwards, III and his family, the Chronicle has proudly served the Chattanooga community and surrounding areas for 37 years and will celebrate this milestone event on Friday, September 18, at 6:00pm at Greater Tucker Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall.
HONORING OUR LEGACY – SHAPING OUR FUTURE is the theme for this auspicious event.
Ruth W. Brinkley, retired President of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, and former President, CommonSpirit – Memorial Hospital, Chattanooga, will be the guest speaker. Entertainment will be provided by Chattanooga’s own songstress, the incomparable Karen Collins, and dinner will be served. Ticket prices for Table of (8) $600.00; and individual seats are $75.00 per person. The entire public is invited to join in this milestone celebration.
Edwards’ humble beginnings included a dream, his passion, and a typewriter. He wanted to publish a newspaper that told and recognized positive stories and celebrated accomplishments, big and small, of black men, women and children. His dream included the newspaper to be a positive and progressive voice that shared the good news about and for the black community.
John started the Chattanooga Courier around March 1989. John, with his typewriter, was a one-man operation for several years until son Adrian joined with him and transitioned him and the business with updated technology and the computer! Thirty-seven (37) years later, including numerous upgrades, changes, and even a business name change, John’s dream and passion have reached this milestone event: 37 Years!!
There is lots more to share about John’s journey and the story of the Chattanooga News Chronicle will be featured in upcoming issues. For now, SAVE THE DATE: September 18, 2026. Tickets will go on sale August 1st and Sponsorship packets are available now.
For more information on tickets and sponsorships, contact Nikita Edwards-Brown at Nikita Edwards edwards.nikita@gmail.com or 423/267-2313.
We look forward to seeing you on September 18th: SAVE the DATE!