ABOVE: Shannan Nobles, Chief Deputy City Controller; Sonny Messiah Jiles, CEO, Defender Media Group; Jeffrey L. Boney, Forward Times Associate Editor; Dorris Ellis, co-founder and publisher, Houston Sun; and Houston Chronicle columnist Cindy George
This past Monday, Feb. 26, the Houston City Controller’s Office, led by Controller Chris Brown, hosted its 8th Annual Black History Month Observance in the Legacy Room at City Hall.
This year, the Controller’s Office chose to celebrate African American newspapers that have played a vital role in the Houston community. A panel discussion, moderated by Houston Chronicle journalist Cindy George, focused on the rich history of each of the newspapers that were represented. Sonny Messiah Jiles, CEO, Defender Media Group; Dorris Ellis, co-founder and publisher, Houston Sun; and Forward Times’ Associate Editor, Jeffrey L. Boney, participated in a healthy dialogue on why the Black Press exists, adapting to the current technological changes with digital advancement, why the Black Press is relevant in today’s society and the importance of keeping the Black Press alive and well.
In addition to having a healthy and robust conversation, the Forward Times was also presented with the Houston City Controller’s Office “Community Impact Award” for 2018.
Chief Deputy City Controller Shannan Nobles presenting the Forward Times with the Houston City Controller’s Office “Community Impact Award” for 2018
Forward Times Associate Editor Jeffrey L. Boney