SCRIPT

INTRO RAP:
Mira: The Freeman's Journal is more than just ads, but in our paper even those aren't bad
Uma: Lets stay woke, current events arent a joke
Joe: Connect with your race, don't live in a discriminatory place
Abi: From the north to the south we'll keep you aware, confederates, republicans our reporters
are there
Annie: It shouldn't matter if you're white or you're black, society needs to cut us some slack
Mira: From op eds to features and even the news, our paper puts you in African Americans
shoes
Uma: We stay true with plenty of primary sources to prove our point, so we dont disappoint
Joe: Every collective statement is backed up with evidence, we promise that we arent guilty of
negligence
Abi: Stay informed, you dont want to be the only one of your friends who isnt warned about all
of the African-American reform
All: Reading is fun if you know facts when youre done: Freedmens journal
Abi: Subscribe to the Freedmans Journal today.
Annie: Local newspapers are known for covering the bare minimum and disregarding news that
affects Blacks or reflects negatively on whites.
Mira: It is better to be aware of what is going on in all of America rather than just being informed
about current events in your town from only one perspective.
Joe:That isnt to say it must be either or.
Abi:The freedmen's journal does it all. We take news that whites silence and bring it to the
public.
Annie: We work with organizations and journalists focused on informing African Americans
rather than shutting them out of society.
Uma:That is why you should choose Freedmens journal: because we dont discriminate, we tell
it like it is.
Annie: Lets meet our team of journalists, editors and layout producers who bring you our
paper.
Joe: Im Fighting Joe- lynching is on the rise across the US- read about in this weeks Journal
Uma: Im Uma, Keep updated about jobs available for African-Americans in my feature article
coming soon
Mira: Im Mira! Read my feature to learn more about unjust Jim Crow Laws.
Abi: Im Abi! Catch the latest news about the Exodusters in the Freedmen's Journal this week!
Annie: Im Annie! Read my feature article about Booker T. Washington dining at the White
House in the Freedmens Journal

Abi: Believe it or not, the articles in our paper are not the only things that help keep African
Americans informed.
Mira: Our ads are tailored to fit current events and cater to what a black citizen may need.
Joe: In the next issue get information on the Freedmans Bureau and how to sign up for
settlement classes.
Abi: To give a better idea of the importance of our ads, we are joined today by a representative
from the Freedmen's Bureau and a settlement class as well as a quick word from Madam. C. J.
Walker Cosmetics
Mira: Ad for a product- The Freedman Journal brought to you by Madam C.J. Walker cosmetics,
Beauty, Happiness and Success
Uma: I am from the freedmen's Bureau. As you know a few weeks ago on March 4th 1877
Hayes was inaugurated as president. As his first move in office Hayes passed the compromise
of 1877 which officially ended the Radical Reconstruction by withdrawing troops from the south.
THe end of the reconstruction means that ex-confederates will regain control of the south and
there is less protection for our people. We want you, African American citizens, to feel safe and
ready for a role in society. The freedmens bureau is here to help you with jobs, court cases and
education. Be ready to be an American.
Abi: If that didnt convince you heres a quick sneak peak into some of our wonderful articles.
We arent lying when we say there is something for everyone in the Freedmens Journal!
Mira: Are you going to vote? No? Probably because as an African American you are under
threat from the KKK or are afraid you cannot pass the literacy test. Want to know how the recent
Plessey vs. Ferguson court case ruling of separate but equal will affect your life as an
African-American? In our Dear Abby column learn a little more about what you can do as an
African American in that situation, and know you're not alone in dreading election day.
Uma: As an African American citizen have you noticed a disparity in the job world? Maybe
something along the lines of the kinds of jobs offered to whites versus those offered to blacks or
the pay offered to whites being greater than that offered to blacks. Out of the 8 million blacks
living in America today very few have the opportunity to work in professional settings. Instead
they are limited to jobs such as waste removal while whites hold public office. Lets delve into
this issue in next week's journal through a feature on what it is like being African American and
looking for a job.
Annie: Its finally time for African Americans to be treated as equals to Whites. Read this weeks
feature article on Booker T. Washingtons dinner at the White House with President Theodore
Roosevelt! This is a huge step towards civil equality for colored people in the United States. We
cover the hard facts about the event, the reactions of newspapers across the country, and the
motives behind their opinions! Lets go to a live interview with Mr. Washington now! Mr.
Washington, how did you feel during your visit?

Washington: Hello! The day I visited President Roosevelt at the White House seemed like a
normal discussion of politics at first. Of course, it was very exciting to be invited to meet the
president, especially as a Black man, but I didnt expect it to be anything more than discussing
public matters. When he invited me to stay as a social guest, I was elated, not only because I
was the first African American to visit the white house as a social guest, but because this had
created a significant step towards racial equality in politics.
Annie: How intriguing. What was your reaction to the newspapers printed the day after?
Washington: I was appreciative of the Northern newspapers, who were supportive of
Roosevelts decision to invite me in as a friend, but very disappointed that there were so many
others that published derogatory terms and epithets that hadnt been used since the civil war.
They supported segregation and wanted to hold back the rights of African American as much as
possible for as long as possible. It goes to show that just as we are making progress towards
civil rights, there will always be people who disagree, and will do everything they can to keep us
from making progress.
Annie: Thank you Mr. Washington!
Joe: Today it is hard for African Americans to speak out against injustice and reach the
government about issues regarding the treatment of their race. In the next issue of the
Freedmen's Journal learn about the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People an organization fighting for equal rights.They have been spreading the word about the
problem of lynching.
Abi: Read about the Exodusters and their journey towards freedom. Find out about Benjamin
Pap Singletons Exoduster settlements in Kansas and the African-Americans who attempt to
escape the injustices of the South.

Mira: As you can see our newspaper goes above and beyond just covering events.
Abi: From analytical pieces to well planned ads, the Freedmen's Journal has everything it
needs to keep African Americans informed and aware of their times. Were the right choice for
your newspaper needs, and remember:
All: Reading is fun if you know facts when youre done: Freedmens journal!
Subscribe today