By Stacy M. Brown

NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

@StacyBrownMedia

The Rev. Mark Thompson’s illustrious and groundbreaking journalism career, which found its roots in the Black Press of America nearly 40 years ago, has come full circle as he assumes a pivotal leadership role with the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).

From his early days as a journalist with the historic AFRO newspaper in Washington, D.C., under the mentorship of the legendary Frances L. Murphy II, to trailblazing moments as the first talk show host on XM Satellite Radio, Thompson has consistently championed the cause of African American-owned media. Now, in his role as the new NNPA Global Digital Transformation Director, he is poised to drive a new era of innovation, guiding member publishers through the intricate landscape of digital transformation and content distribution.

“After serious contemplation and after a review of the capabilities of more than 75 others who inquired about the job, not only did Mark’s resume and experience rise to the top in the digital space, but in his longevity of advocating the power and impact of the Black Press of America, this was not a difficult decision,” stated NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Photo By Mark Thompson/Dream in Color Photography

“In fact,” Dr. Chavis continued, “it was providential. We look forward to working as a team, and I’m very honored to invite Mark to join the NNPA’s national staff as a full-time Global Digital Transformation Director. In addition to Mark’s experience in America, he also has an international perspective, particularly in the African diaspora, where the content produced and distributed by the Black Press of America will also, with his assistance, have extended reach and impact for communities of color throughout the world as the NNPA continues to be the most respected, vital, and trusted voice of Black America.”

Currently a political, human rights, and breaking news podcast host, Thompson’s work in digital social media won his “Make It Plain” recognition among Best Civil Rights Podcasts, Best Human Rights Podcasts, Best Podcasts About Social Justice, and Best Broadcast Television Podcasts in 2021. 

A 40-veteran on the frontlines of the ongoing struggle of African Americans and others, the 104th Annual NAACP Convention in Orlando in 2013 awarded Thompson “For 25 years of crusading journalism and outstanding leadership in furthering the work of civil and human rights.” He not only has been a part of every significant social justice movement and event over the past 40 years, but he has also been a radio broadcaster and journalist for over three decades and has spent over ten years as a national network television commentator. 

“In this pivotal time as it pertains to the Black Press of America, we need new blood and new vision that would take us to higher heights which include making a huge footprint in the digital transformation of Black-owned media,” NNPA National Chairman and Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry added. “Mark has a proven track record in his endeavors of achieving success in bringing Black-owned media to the forefront. We are positioned at the right time where a fresh undertaking would complement the 197 years of the rich history of the Black Press. Digital transformation is on the horizon for all media, and this is especially of benefit to Black-owned media. The Black Press is here to stay and to be complemented by our digital platforms will only enhance our presence.”

Among Thompson’s many academic and professional achievements, he graduated from the University of the District of Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in mass media journalism long before the advent of the internet and social media, a testament to his foresight in the ever-evolving journalism world. He said his mandate with NNPA extends beyond technical aspects, encompassing a strategic approach to content distribution that emphasizes revenue generation. 

“As media evolves, we’ve all had to adjust. I learned the importance of digital and social media at least ten years ago and jumped right in when others were resistant,” Thompson asserted. “When ‘Make It Plain’ was on Sirius XM, I pioneered a lot of digital and social media. Some people didn’t like it; only some were ready to embrace going into social media. However, we’ve all found something critically important: reaching a larger audience because more information is consumed via social media, and it’s an ever-growing and ever-standing market to reach our audience. We must keep ourselves on the pulse of that and make our publications more and more accessible digitally and on social media. That is important to the future and survival of the African American print media.” 

Photo By Mark Mahoney/Dream in Color Photography

Thompson noted that he and Chavis began the “Meet the Black Press” segment on his “Make It Plain” show some years ago and said the importance of that component was again amplified at the time of his NNPA hire. 

“Without realizing it, this moment for the NNPA is timelier than we may have thought,” Thompson insisted. “On the very weekend that ‘Meet the Press’ has given a platform to someone (GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York) who questioned the legitimacy of the past election and called insurrectionists hostages, shows how relative and timely it is to meet the Black Press not just as a segment, but to meet the Black Press as a way of life going forward.”

Hiring Thompson in this role underscores the NNPA’s commitment to fortifying the 250 African American-owned newspapers and media companies within its membership, Chavis exclaimed. 

Chavis and Thompson proclaimed that the NNPA Digital Network is now positioned as the most prominent African American-owned digital network in America, with an ultimate goal of global dominance in becoming the most influential, engaging, and impactful digital news and content distribution network globally.

“Everyone knows about the downsizing and contraction of print newspapers,” Thompson said. “What the NNPA represents is what really boils down to is more than 200 bureaus, independent to some extent, but each local Black-owned newspaper has an important role in letting the world know what’s happening in local communities. The more we work together and promote that, the more it sets NNPA apart because very few major print media have organizations of that size and depth anymore.”

Already, in a testament to the NNPA’s commitment to innovation, strategic collaborations have been forged with key players such as the Google News Initiative (GNI), the US Black Chambers of Commerce, the National Association of Black-Owned Broadcasters, the NAACP, and the National Urban League. Chavis said those partnerships are designed to aggregate and disseminate digital content, solidifying the NNPA’s position as a frontrunner in the digital realm.

“With NNPA, journalism is still taking place, not sensationalism,” Thompson continued. “We’re seeing much of the mainstream [seeking] click-bait material. As the Black Press, we must continue to be the moral conscious and moral authority of objective journalism. That’s most important as we set the example to educate the next generation of journalists because we want Black students inspired.”

Chavis cautioned that, since 1827, when Freedom’s Journal was first published, there have been naysayers and turncoats that have tried unsuccessfully to silence the Black Press.

“I see clearly that 2024 will be another year of growth and expansion for the NNPA and the Black Press of America,” he said. “The acquisition of Mark Thompson as the Global Digital Transformation Director will greatly enhance not only what we do in 2024 in the digital and print space, but also as we approach the 200th anniversary of the Black Press of America in 2027, we are all grateful that Mark Thompson has agreed to join the NNPA for this vital and transformational objective.”

On behalf of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), we extend to Sylvia Perry, Publisher of the Jacksonville Free Press, and to the family of Rita Perry, our sincerest prayers and heartfelt condolences. Rita Perry was a freedom-fighting publisher and leader who made a lasting impact for the advancement and progress of Black America. We pledge solemnly to keep her living memory, legacy and spirit dear to all of what we will continue to do to uplift and to empower all of humanity. May God bless Sylvia and the Perry family.

• Dorothy R. Leavell, NNPA Chairman
• Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA President and CEO
• Bobby R. Henry, Sr., NNPA Board of Directors’ Representative and Publisher of the Westside Gazette

Obituary

Rita Jean Eggleton Carter Perry was born on July 24, 1938, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. As a young child, her family relocated to Detroit, Michigan where she spent her youth and attended Detroit Public Schools. She was the daughter of Christine A. Eggleton Luffborough and the city’s first Black Prosecuting Attorney, Jesse B. Eggleton, Sr., who provided the foundation for her passion for equality and justice. As a young woman, she was very active in fighting for fairness and equal rights during one of our nation’s most trying times – the Civil Rights Movement.

Throughout her formative years, Rita remained actively engaged in “The Movement” by participating in Detroit’s Civil Rights protests and marching with the Rev. Dr. M.L. King, Jr.  After attending Wayne State University and the Denver Institute of Art, she returned home to Detroit to work in marketing and promotions at the world-renowned Motown Records.  She also studied at the University of Detroit, preparing herself for a career that would take her to cities all around the country.

Her entrée into the music field was spurred by her best friend, the late platinum-selling songwriter Sylvia Moy, for whom her only daughter is named. While at Motown, she worked on the creative teams of several recording artists including Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. Her career in the music industry also included artist management and a stint at Stax records in Memphis, TN.

Rita knew no strangers and had the uncanny ability to put people at ease in conversation. She enjoyed the exchange of interesting and creative thoughts and ideas with her family, friends, and colleagues. This gift of being able to relate to others launched her newspaper career. While visiting friends in Macon, GA, she began working at a local newspaper- the Macon Times.

She soon met and married her future husband, which led to the birth of her daughter, Sylvia. The couple relocated to Jacksonville, Florida in 1972, and Rita continued to stay in tune with her artistic roots and passion for writing. In the early 70’s she began writing for The Florida Star newspaper under the tutelage of its’ Editor and Publisher, Eric O. Simpson.

It was there that her passion for communication grew roots and she committed herself to the education and enlightenment of the public through mass media. Following The Florida Star, Rita began a long and successful career in radio at Jacksonville’s WERD, WPDQ and WZAZ radio stations. She rose through the ranks, becoming General Manager of the company’s 13 radio stations in the NE Florida market.

During radio’s strongest growth period, the Jacksonville stations were ranked as some of the top stations in the country, due in large part to Rita’s contributions. While in that role she was the first president and organizer of the Jacksonville United Community Club – an organization comprised of over 15 community clubs and organizations, such as sororities and fraternities to motorcycle and social clubs – who united for one cause, to help the community in massive numbers. Under her leadership, the city of Jacksonville witnessed and experienced events such as the “Come Together Day,” which brought over 20,000 individuals together for a day of entertainment and camaraderie without violence or incident.

Following her exemplary years in radio, the bells of advocacy rang loudly, which led to the first edition of The Jacksonville Free Press in 1986. Published under the mantra, “Northeast Florida’s Quality Black Media,” Rita vowed to only print “positive” news that would empower and educate the community. Those intentional steps also made her Florida’s first founding female newspaper publisher.

Over the years, the publication has been the recipient of numerous local and national awards and resulted in Rita being invited to the White House as the guest of three former Presidents. In 2018, the newspaper is still viable and committed to its core tenets, remaining an integral part of the Jacksonville community. Ms. Perry continued to be involved in the operations of the newspaper and share her sage and unrivaled experience and expertise until her passing.

Rita Perry was known to be an extraordinary woman who had a heart for service and understood the importance of making a difference in the lives of others. She was an advocate and a change agent and never shied away from the opportunity to uplift others through service.

Ms. Perry’s past community service includes a variety of contributions from grassroots organizations and politics to civil service and Girl Scout Troop Leader. She also served on over 20 non-profit boards in the City of Jacksonville.

In addition to being a charter member of both the Bold City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and the Jacksonville Chapter of the Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club (National Council of Negro Women). Her other affiliations included the Clara White Mission Board, YMCA Board, NAACP, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Urban League and other local, state and national organizations.

Ms. Perry received numerous awards for leadership and service throughout her career including the following: The Jacksonville Urban League Clanzel Brown, The MLK Foundation Award for Exceptional Service to the African American Community, The Florida Community College at Jacksonville Award for Outstanding Achievement, The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club Award for Invaluable Support and Contribution and The 2013 Mayor’s Trailblazer Award among a host of others. Through her commitment to helping others and passion for education, she served Jacksonville’s African-American population with pride.

Rita’s greatest accomplishment and joy in life was being mother to her daughter Sylvia, whom she loved deeply and dearly. She enjoyed great music, spending time with family and friends, traveling, collecting antiques, and civic engagement. Rita was very fond of her host of beloved pets, who showed her unconditional love and enriched her life.

Rita was a member of Greater Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, she was also a former long-standing member of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church. Rita is preceded in death by her parents – Jesse B. Eggleton, Sr., Christine A. Luffborough and Douglas Luffborough. She is survived by her loving daughter, Sylvia Carter Perry, sister Brenda Burwell, nephew Bruce Burwell (Wilneshia), niece Gabrielle Burwell, a host of cousins, several godchildren, adopted children, extended family, and close friends.