The Facts: Carrying on the Legacy of Black Media in Seattle
The Facts Newspaper, a cornerstone of Seattle's Black community, has been in publication since the 1960s. Founded by Fitzgerald Beaver, The Facts was created to fill the gap left by the daily paper and to center the Black experience in Seattle.
The paper has been a family affair since its inception. Marla Beaver, Fitzgerald's daughter, has been involved with the paper since she was young, acting as a runner and taking on various responsibilities as she grew up. She emphasizes the paper's role as a community hub, providing opportunities for aspiring journalists and fostering trust within the community. "He gave people a chance," Marla says of her father. "He was just that real."
Chardonnay Beaver, Fitzgerald's granddaughter, is now a storyteller, speaker, and writer at The Facts. She recognizes the paper's significance in bridging communities and maintaining relevance in the age of disinformation. The Facts continues to be a trusted source of information, connecting with a wide range of people from single mothers to politicians.
Chardonnay reflects on the paper's enduring legacy, "For us to still be relevant is because of that trust." She also highlights the importance of understanding one's values and serving the community, a lesson passed down from her grandfather. "It's not value in profit, it's not value in performance," she says. "There's value in people who are you trying to serve? What's your vision?"
The enduring legacy of The Facts is a testament to the Beaver family's dedication and the unwavering support of the Seattle community. As a trusted source of information and a platform for aspiring journalists, The Facts continues to play a vital role in Seattle's Black community.
To learn more about The Facts, visit www.thefactsnewspaper.com
This segment was initially aired on Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle. See past episodes and segments at whereweconverge.com/back2besa and on the FOX Local app. Head over to bit.ly/watchfoxlocal to learn how to download the free FOX Local app and watch Back2Besa nationwide.
