OP-ED: NNPA Launches 2026 “Leadership Matters” Video Series
By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.
Throughout Black History and Women’s History months this year we have emphasized that one of the best ways to celebrate history is to make more history. Black excellence and leadership across all fields of endeavor are rising as the nation marks the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, is pleased to formally announce the launch of our 2026 “Leadership Matters” video series. Working in collaboration with Events DC and PKB Enterprises, with corporate support, we were able to professionally produce six exclusive 30-minute video interviews with some of the nation’s most effective and transformative leaders who are making a positive difference in science and technology innovations, healthcare engagement, and political empowerment and public advocacy.
The NNPA is the national nonprofit trade association of 253 local African American-owned newspapers and multimedia companies that serve the top 50 major media markets in the U.S. 2027 will mark the 200th Anniversary of the Black Press of America since the first publication, Freedom’s Journal, on March 16, 1827, in New York City.
As content producers and distributors, the NNPA is very conscious of the challenges facing all news media today, with many local “mainstream” newspapers, radio, and TV stations deciding to shut down their media businesses.
Because NNPA member publications with their print, digit and social media platforms as well remain the “trusted voice” of the communities that we serve, the distribution and presentation of the “Leadership Matters” series over the next six weeks will not only enhance the NNPA’s national brand but also will provide a timely and much needed motivational content for all Americans on the importance of authentic and dedication leadership.
One of the outstanding national leaders that we were fortunate to interview is the newly elected Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), The Honorable Congressman Troy A. Carter, who represents Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District in New Orleans. Congressman Carter is a freedom-fighting leader in the United States Congress. Yes, “Leadership Matters.”
We begin the diverse series with dynamic and candid interviews with The Honorable Congressman Gabe Amo, representing the 1st Congressional District in Rhode Island, and with healthcare professional Dr. Yasmine Wahdan of Bayer.
For the next six weeks and beyond, the “Leadership Matters” video series will be repeatedly broadcast on the NNPA’s www.BlackPressUSA and on numerous NNPA member publishers’ social media channels across the nation, and will also be highlighted in NNPA print publications.
The following are the other national leaders who have been filmed for the NNPA “Leadership Matters” series: The Honorable Congressman James Clyburn and Rhonda Mims, Executive Vice President of AmeriHealth Caritas; The Honorable Congressman Troy A. Carter and Fred Humphries, Corporate Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs for Microsoft; The Honorable Congressman Steven Horsford and Dr. Steven Johnson, Executive Vice President of Events DC; The Honorable Senator Alsobrooks, D-MD, and Mamar Gelaye, Vice President of Amazon; and The Honorable Governor Wes Moore of Maryland.
We are grateful for the support and sponsorship from Amazon, Microsoft, Events DC, AmeriHealth Caritas, Bayer, and PKB Enterprises, whose generosity enabled and made possible the production and distribution of the “Leadership Matters” video series.
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), can be reached at dr.bchavis@nnpa.org.
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