Queen Publisher of the Prairie: The Beatrice Pringle Story.

 

Queen Publisher of the Prairie: The Beatrice Pringle Story

Preserving the Legacy of Sepia Magazine and Its Trailblazing Publisher: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article298608353.html

The Legacy of Sepia Magazine

In the mid-20th century, when mainstream media largely ignored or misrepresented Black life in America, Sepia Magazine emerged as a groundbreaking publication dedicated to showcasing African American culture, achievements, and struggles. Founded in 1947 in Fort Worth, Texas, Sepia was originally owned by George Levitan, a Jewish businessman who recognized the need for a national Black magazine similar to Life and Ebony. More than just a publication, Sepia became a powerful voice for civil rights, Black excellence, and cultural pride.

Over the years, the magazine provided in-depth reporting on significant events such as the Civil Rights Movement, African independence struggles, and the rise of Black political and cultural leaders. It covered everything from entertainment and sports to social justice and global issues affecting the African diaspora. Through its photojournalism and investigative reporting, Sepia filled a void in American media, ensuring that Black stories were told from a perspective of dignity and truth.

The Rise of Beatrice Pringle: A Trailblazer in Publishing

Among the talented individuals behind Sepia was Beatrice Elizabeth Pringle, a pioneering journalist and businesswoman. Pringle was more than just an editor, she was a leader who helped shape Sepia into a trusted and respected publication. After George Levitan’s passing in 1976, Pringle took the helm of Sepia Publishing Company, becoming one of the first Black women to own and operate a major national magazine. Under her leadership, Sepia continued its mission of highlighting the voices and stories of Black America at a time when the media landscape was still heavily segregated.

Pringle’s ownership of Sepia was a defining moment in Black media history. Her work paved the way for future generations of Black women in journalism and publishing, breaking barriers in an industry where few women, let alone Black women, held executive leadership roles. Her contributions ensured that Sepia continued to document African American history, inspire activism, and amplify the achievements of Black individuals and communities across the nation.

The Effort to Preserve Mrs. Beatrice Pringle’s Legacy

Recognizing the significance of Beatrice Pringle’s contributions, Pastor Kyev Tatum has taken the lead in preserving her legacy through Queen Publisher of the Prairie: The Beatrice Pringle Story. This initiative brings together a coalition of institutions and organizations committed to honoring Pringle’s impact on journalism, publishing, and African American history.

The collaborative effort includes:

The Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society, which plays a key role in preserving Black history in Fort Worth and ensuring that Pringle’s contributions are documented.

The Portal to Texas History at the University of North Texas, which is working to digitize Sepia Magazine and make its archives accessible to researchers, educators, and the public.

The Special Photo Collections at the University of Texas at Arlington, which houses rare images and historical records that showcase the visual history of Sepia Magazine and its impact.

New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth, where community engagement and educational initiatives will help share Pringle’s story with future generations.

The Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas, a group dedicated to justice and equity, supporting efforts to highlight Pringle’s role in advancing Black media representation.

Why This Work Matters Today

The preservation of Sepia Magazine and Beatrice Pringle’s contributions is about more than history, it’s about ensuring that future generations understand the power of Black media and the importance of telling our own stories. In a time when representation in journalism remains a critical issue, the work of Sepia serves as a reminder of the impact that Black-led media can have in shaping narratives and advocating for justice.

By digitizing and archiving Sepia, this initiative ensures that its powerful stories remain accessible to educators, students, and researchers who seek to understand Black history through the lens of those who lived it. Additionally, elevating Beatrice Pringle’s story helps to inspire young Black women and men to pursue careers in media, leadership, and activism, just as she did.

A Call to Action

As the work to preserve Sepia and Beatrice Pringle’s legacy continues, community involvement is essential. Whether through donations, research, storytelling, or spreading awareness, every effort contributes to keeping this history alive. Pastor Kyev Tatum and the collaborating institutions invite all those who value Black history and media representation to support this vital initiative.

Through Queen Publisher of the Prairie: The Beatrice Pringle Story, the remarkable legacy of Sepia Magazine and its fearless publisher will not only be remembered but will continue to inspire generations to come.