Alumna Remembers Historic Local Publication

A local Alabama A&M University alumna has revisited a local newspaper, bringing new attention to the contributions of blacks who lived in Madison County over 100 years ago. 

The Huntsville Gazette, an African American newspaper, was established on November 22, 1879, according to Ollye Doyle Conley, retired educator and administrator, who is a member of AAMU's Class of 1958.   Charles Hendley, Jr., former teacher and principal, was the editor.  S. J. B. Carter, assistant principal of the State Normal School, was the associate editor. A single copy subscription cost $1.50 per year; 90 cents for six months; and 50 cents for three months.

The paper covered state, national and occasionally international news. However, the main focus was coverage of local and area news that affected African Americans in North Alabama. The articles included schools, churches, businesses, politics and fraternal groups. In fact, most of the written history and culture of 19th century African Americans in Huntsville/Madison County is found in the Huntsville Gazette. The newspaper ended its run on December 29, 1894.

- From Compilations of  Ollye Doyle Conley '58