Mrs. Beatrice Pringle: The Queen Publisher of the Prairie.

 

Mrs. Beatrice Pringle: The Queen Publisher of the Prairie

Curated by Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – February 6, 1970, was a day of triumph for Mrs. Beatrice Elizabeth Pringle. Representing the Good Publishing Company, she made headlines with a record-tying $7,000 bid on the grand champion steer at the Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show in Fort Worth, Texas. It was a bold move that underscored her resolve, ambition, and capacity for leadership—qualities that would propel her into history just five years later.

By June 1975, Mrs. Pringle shattered barriers to become the first woman publisher of Sepia Magazine, the flagship publication of the Sepia Publishing Company. Her appointment marked a turning point in Black media, establishing her legacy as a trailblazer in the male-dominated publishing industry.

About Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.

The curator of this tribute to Mrs. Pringle, Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., is a historian, civil rights leader, and the Pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Known for his unwavering commitment to justice and community advocacy, Pastor Tatum has dedicated his life to preserving and elevating the stories of underrepresented Black Texans.

With over four decades of public service, Pastor Tatum has been a driving force in countless initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized communities. From his time as a student assistant to Dr. Barry B. Thompson at Tarleton State University to his advocacy for inner-city economic development and youth empowerment in Fort Worth, he embodies a lifelong commitment to leadership and service.

Pastor Tatum’s passion for history and storytelling shines through his work, including his curation of the Texas 6888th Project, which honors the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, and his authorship of Fighting Black in Texas: An Anthology of Black Texans Who Resisted Racial Injustice in Texas from 1868 to Present.

His efforts to honor the legacy of Black pioneers like Mrs. Pringle are part of a broader mission to inspire and educate future generations. Pastor Tatum’s motto, learned from his days on the football field—“Watch It, Catch It, Tuck It, and Run With It”—guides his approach to ministry, advocacy, and storytelling.

Sepia Magazine: A Voice for Black America

Founded in 1947 by George Levitan, Sepia Magazine was a bold alternative to Ebony, addressing both the triumphs and challenges of Black life with honesty and depth. Headquartered in Fort Worth, the magazine amplified Black voices, chronicling the cultural, political, and social experiences of African Americans.

In 1966, under the editorial leadership of Adelle Jackson, Sepia broke new ground by creating an all-female editorial board, including powerhouses like Ms. Edna K. Turner, Ms. Travis Wilburn, and Ms. Eunice Wilson. This commitment to empowering women culminated in Mrs. Pringle’s historic rise as publisher. Her stewardship from 1975 to 1983 steered the magazine through some of its most impactful years.

Mrs. Pringle’s Legacy of Leadership

As publisher, Mrs. Pringle was instrumental in elevating Sepia’s reputation as a beacon of representation. Her leadership coincided with a period of immense cultural change, and she ensured that Sepia not only documented the era but also shaped the narrative.

Her influence extended beyond the magazine. A symbol of progress and determination, Mrs. Pringle inspired a new generation of Black women in publishing, breaking down barriers and setting a standard for excellence. She became known as the “Queen Publisher of the Prairie,” a title befitting her transformative impact on media and culture.

Honoring the Sepia Legacy

The legacy of Sepia Magazine and Mrs. Pringle’s pivotal role are now celebrated through a collaborative exhibition and short film project aimed at preserving the history of Black women in publishing. This initiative brings together a network of partners, including:

• New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church (Fort Worth, Texas)

• University of North Texas and the Portal of Texas History (Denton, Texas)

• 365PlusOne

• Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society (Fort Worth, Texas)

• University of Texas at Arlington Libraries, Special Collections (Arlington, Texas)

The project celebrates Sepia’s profound influence, from its groundbreaking reporting to its unique photographic archives that captured the essence of Black life during pivotal decades.

A Legacy Preserved

In 2009, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honored Sepia’s cultural contributions with an exhibition titled “The Sepia Magazine Photo Archive - 1948–1983: 35 Years of the African-American Experience in Music.” This recognition cemented Sepia’s place as a vital chronicler of Black history and culture.

Now, the story of Mrs. Beatrice Pringle and her transformative years at Sepia continues to inspire. Through exhibitions, historical research, and public programs, her legacy lives on, a reminder of the power of determination and the enduring impact of Black women in media.

Explore the Story

To learn more about Sepia Magazine, Mrs. Pringle’s trailblazing career, and the legacy of Black publishing, explore the following resources:

• “Sepia Magazine in Black and White”

• “Two Men, One Journey: Seeing the World in Black”

• “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Presents: The Sepia Magazine Photo Archive - 1948–1983”

With the dedication of leaders like Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., and the enduring example of Mrs. Beatrice Pringle, the stories of Black excellence in publishing will continue to inspire and empower for generations to come.