From the bindery to the boardroom, from Fort Worth to the world, The Queen Publisher of the Prairie: Beatrice Pringle and the Legacy of Sepia Magazine.

 

From the bindery to the boardroom, from Fort Worth to the world, The Queen Publisher of the Prairie: Beatrice Pringle and the Legacy of Sepia Magazine. By Pastor Kyev Tatum

In the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, a quiet revolution was unfolding. While national Black publications like Ebony and Jet dominated the mainstream, Sepia Magazine stood as a unique and powerful voice, one that was entirely Black-owned and self-contained in 1975. At its helm was a woman whose resilience, business acumen, and commitment to Black storytelling would make her a legend: Beatrice Elizabeth Pringle.

The Rise of Sepia Magazine

Originally launched as Negro Achievements in 1946, the magazine was rebranded as Sepia to appeal to a broader audience while maintaining its core mission, chronicling the struggles, triumphs, and cultural richness of Black America. Under the ownership of the Good Publishing Company, Sepia quickly became a staple in Black households, boasting a circulation of over 100,000.

Unlike many other Black publications, which relied on white-owned printing firms and advertisers, Sepia was revolutionary, it was the only completely self-contained Black magazine publishing firm in the nation. From content creation to printing and distribution, every aspect of its production was controlled by Black professionals in Fort Worth, Texas.

Beatrice Pringle: From the Bindery to the Boardroom

Beatrice Pringle’s journey at Sepia was one of sheer determination and unshakable perseverance. She started at the company 17 years before becoming publisher in May 1975. Her first roles were in the circulation department and the bindery, places where few could have imagined a path leading to the executive suite. But Pringle was no ordinary employee; she possessed a sharp business mind, a deep understanding of the magazine’s readership, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting the Black community through media.

As she ascended through the ranks, Pringle oversaw critical elements of production, ensuring that Sepia maintained the highest quality in both content and presentation. She was often seen meticulously checking the color quality of the six magazine covers that Good Publishing Company produced each month, ensuring that every image accurately represented the richness of Black life.

The Power of Black Journalism

One of Sepia’s most defining moments came in the 1960s when it published a series of groundbreaking articles by John Howard Griffin. A white journalist, Griffin darkened his skin and traveled through the Jim Crow South to experience life as a Black man, later detailing his journey in Black Like Me. These articles, and the subsequent book, drew national attention and solidified Sepia’s reputation as a fearless publication willing to tackle racial injustice head-on.

Under Pringle’s leadership, Sepia continued to push boundaries. It covered stories that mainstream media ignored, highlighting Black excellence, exposing civil rights violations, and celebrating the beauty and diversity of Black culture.

A Legacy Cemented

By becoming publisher in 1975, Beatrice Pringle shattered barriers, proving that Black women could lead major publishing houses in an industry dominated by men. Her leadership ensured that Sepia remained a beacon of Black storytelling for years to come.

Though Sepia eventually ceased publication in the 1980s, its impact endures. It paved the way for Black media outlets that followed, proving that a self-sustaining Black publication could thrive even in the face of systemic barriers.

Beatrice Pringle, the Queen Publisher of the Prairie, left behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and commitment to Black media ownership. Her story is not just one of personal success but a testament to the power of Black journalism in shaping history.

Epilogue: Honoring the Queen Publisher

Today, as we reflect on the significance of Sepia and Beatrice Pringle’s contributions, we recognize her as a trailblazer whose work must not be forgotten. Her story belongs in museums, history books, and the hearts of all who believe in the power of media to inspire change.

From the bindery to the boardroom, from Fort Worth to the world, Beatrice Pringle’s legacy reigns supreme.