Discover the diverse array of celebrations and commemorations taking place in Washington, D.C., for the MLK Holiday Weekend. From fundraisers to art exhibits, join in honoring Dr. King's legacy and making a difference
By NNPA Newswire - The Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) is honoring Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher and second-generation owner of The Washington Informer, with the 2023 WABJ President's Award for her significant contributions to the organization's growth and reach in the D.C. area.
In addition to Rolark Barnes, Erica Loewe, Erica Loewe, Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff for Public Engagement at the White House, will receive the 2023 WABJ Excellence in Communications Awards.
The Washington Informer celebrates its 59th anniversary as the largest Black-owned newspaper in the District. Recognizing its success and community support, it continues to deliver impactful stories.
Denise Rolark Barnes is the publisher and second-generation owner of The Washington Informer, succeeding her father, the late Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, who founded the newspaper in 1964. The Washington Informer is a multi-media organization serving the African American community in the Washington metropolitan area. Denise is also president of Washington Informer Charities, a non-profit organization that promotes 21st-century literacy and sponsors writing competitions, internships, scholarships and other events promoting African American history, culture, and literature. Rolark Barnes Rolark Barnes is past chair National Newspaper Publishers Association – the Black Press of America. She serves on the boards of several local non-profit, community and municipal organizations, including the Washington Convention and Sports Authority (Events DC), the DC Martin Luther King Holiday Commission, National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund, the Maryland, Delaware, DC Press Association, and the