Claude Albert Barnett

Claude Albert Barnett
Born(1889-09-16)September 16, 1889
Sanford, Florida, U.S.
DiedAugust 2, 1967(1967-08-02) (aged 77)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
EducationTuskegee Institute (1904–1906)
Occupation(s)Journalist, publisher, entrepreneur, philanthropist, activist
Spouse
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(m. 1934)​

Claude Albert Barnett (September 16, 1889 – August 2, 1967) was an American journalist, publisher, entrepreneur, philanthropist, civic activist, Pan-Africanist, and founder of the Associated Negro Press (ANP). He started the first international news agency for black newspapers. He was an advocate against segregation in the military and blood supply. He was an activist force in journalism. He promoted Pan-Africanism.[1][2][3] The (ANP) documented the Civil Rights Movement in the United States of America, and struggles for independence in Africa.[4] Associated Negro Press was a Pan-African news service. Claude Barnett, Robert S. Abbott, and John H. Johnson were three of the most influential African-American media entrepreneurs in the 20th century. They were based in Chicago, Illinois. Barnett is said to have advanced the role of the Black Press in press coverage, news sharing, advertising, public relations, and professionalism.[5]

Barnett was a Pan-Africanist and encouraged expatriation. He was one of the most influential African Americans of his day, and was known as an unofficial diplomat. He was an activist in journalism and international diplomacy. Barnett advised African emerging governments. Earl Morris is quoted as saying that Barnett was an "unofficial Secretary of State", and probably the best informed American on Negro countries in the world."[6]

  1. ^ Harris, Robert L. (1999). "Barnett, Claude Albert (1889-1967), entrepreneur and journalist". American National Biography (online ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/anb/9780198606697.article.1602543. Retrieved December 11, 2018. (subscription required)
  2. ^ "Little Known Black History Fact: Claude A. Barnett". September 17, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  3. ^ "Barnett, Claude Albert (1889–1967)". blackpast.org. The Black Past. May 15, 2008. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  4. ^ "The Cold War and Civil Rights - HIST 202b: Modern American History in Global Perspective - Research Guides at Brandeis University". Guides.library.brandeis.edu. October 4, 2018. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  5. ^ Writers of the Black Chicago Renaissance. University of Illinois Press. 2011. ISBN 9780252036392. JSTOR 10.5406/j.ctt1xcfxx.
  6. ^ Horne, Gerald (2017). The Rise & Fall of the Associated Negro Press - Claude Barnett's Pan-African News and the Jim Crow Paradox. University of Illinois Press. p. 3. ISBN 9780252099762.