doi:10.7916/d8-82tm-xn83Oral history interview with Doris Wooten Wesley, 1971Wesley, Doris Wootenoral historiesmixed materialAfrican American women journalistsJournalism--Political aspectsEditorsJournalistsAfrican Americans--Civil rightsAfrican American pressAfrican American journalistsHouston (Tex.)United States Race relationsWesley, Carter, MrsUnited States. National Advisory Commission on Civil DisordersReportHenry G. La Brie's 1971 interview with Doris Wooten Wesley begins with an overview of the narrator's education and professional experience. Next, La Brie asks how the social role of the black press has changed over the decades preceding the interview, what types of information readers want in newspaper stories, and the differences between the black and white press. The interview turns to the successes of the black press over the years. Next, they discuss the political role of the black press and how it reflects the needs of the African American community. Wesley describes the challenges facing black newspapers and tries to predict their future. La Brie asks about ownership of black newspapers, advertising in the black press, and white readership of the black media. Next, Wesley recounts her first experiences with the black press and opines on the importance of the various sections of a newspaper. They discuss the need for a national black news service; the scope of black newspapers (i.e., local, national, or international); and about the sensationalism of the black press. After La Brie asks if the black press is worth studying, the interview concludes with a discussion of how the white press has become more fair in covering minority issues since the Kerner Commission report.