Masthead of Freedom’s Journal.

"Freedom’s Journal was first published on March 16, 1827, just two weeks before New York State finally abolished slavery. Its co-editors, Russwurm and Cornish had founded the first Black newspaper, owned, edited, and published by African Americans. It was distributed throughout eleven states and was even sold in Europe. Black newspapers could henceforth serve as a bulwark against a still rising tide of racist misrepresentations, racial stereotypes and unabashed white supremacy. In 1827, on the front page of the debut issue of the first Black newspaper, Freedom’s Journal, Russwurm and Cornish made plain their motives: 'We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us. Too long has the publick been deceived by misrepresentations, in things which concern us dearly…' Freedom’s Journal ceased publication after just two years, but although short-lived it marked the beginning of the Black press and paved the way for newspapers like The North Star, published and edited by Frederick Douglass from 1847. It was the first Black newspaper to have a large circulation even among white readers."—https://ilovetypography.com/2020/07/11/black-print-first-african-america-printer-publishers/