Amandla appeals to its patrons and readers
African immigrants in the United States pride themselves as one of the most educated communities in the country and to a large extent it is true. We venture to say that almost all of them in the United States speak the English language and there are many that would affect the Queens language even more flawlessly than the Queen herself.
One would think, and not incorrectly, that the most important component of education is reading. Education creates inquisitiveness and therefore the urge to read further for more information. Being educated therefore does not stop at obtaining the highest qualification in one’s field and there are zillions of examples of men and women who have excelled in other fields other than their original areas of endeavor.
Our long-winded introduction is motivated by the surprise and what we find at Amandla, the African Community Newspaper that has been in circulation since 2002 and still not so economically buoyant. Yes, we have been able to weather storms for 17 years and in a business that describes the resolution, hard work and the faith management has in itself and its consumers. Other opinions would rather see the management for not doing enough to attract the needed economic input. It may be true but as a neighbor, we can claim and, correctly so, that Amandla is now a household name not only in the African community but elsewhere in other communities in the New York Metro area and beyond. We can count a number of African community publications that have emerged and flagged in these 17 years owing to the same reasons we are complaining.
Amandla, like most community newspapers continues as a free publication. We still have people to pay and continue to pay for printing. We are a for-profit entity and therefore have our corporate obligations as every business. We are therefore taking this opportunity to appeal to the good people in the African community in general to take a look at the publication and if necessary, infuse the needed investment. We have some thriving business communities and individuals that are doing well enough to include Amandla in their investment portfolios. It is true the Internet and social media have reduced the influence of the newspaper but none of it can match the professional rendition and the sensitivities of the newspaper. We still have a generation that continues to rely on the newspaper for their news, and research shows that the newspaper is still the most reliable in carrying advertising and marketing messages.
Amandla has been in the forefront of the fight for several seemingly thorny issues related to African communities on the continent and in the diaspora. For example, it has been vocal in the implementation of the Representation of the Peoples’ Amendment Act that would enable Ghanaians living abroad to vote. Here in the U.S. we serve as a conduit for Immigration and related information, health and news from Africa. We continue to be relevant and most importantly it is free. Our editorials speak volumes! This is an appeal to all Africans in the Diaspora, as well as well-wishers to help continue to bring Amandla to the people. We also appeal to corporate interests to work with us.
We shall continue to be innovative in our reports and update you on events at home while we cover community events in good faith. We shall need your input by way of suggestions in our Comments page. Amandla has come a long way as a media channel and must be considered as a serious publication. We believe we deserve everybody’s attention to help Amandla continue to fulfil its mandate. Amandla is a New Jersey-based African community newspaper and an associate member of the New Jersey Press Association.
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