Issue #947 Today In Black History, Monday, October 20, 2025
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Born in 1919 in Washington, D.C., Herbert Nipson was a pioneering African American journalist and editor whose work left an indelible mark on the landscape of American media. His passion for writing and equality led him to pursue journalism.
Nipson received a degree in journalism from Penn State in 1940. While an undergraduate student at Penn State University, Nipson became the second African American elected to Sigma Delta Chi, the national journalism honor society. In 1946, Nipson enrolled in the University of Iowa’s Writers’ Workshop.
Nipson earned his MFA in creative writing from the University of Iowa and became an established photographer at Iowa. He served on the staff of the Daily Iowan and worked as a photographer for the Cedar Rapids Gazette. In his last year on campus, Nipson won first, second, and honorable mention in the Iowa Press Photographers’ competition.
Herbert Nipson’s career skyrocketed when he joined the esteemed Ebony Magazine in 1949. Founded by John H. Johnson in 1945, Ebony was created to focus on African American culture, achievements, and issues—an endeavor that Nipson passionately supported. As managing editor and later executive editor, he played a crucial role in shaping the magazine into a significant platform that provided a voice to the African American community during the civil rights movement and beyond.
Nipson’s editorial vision helped Ebony address pivotal topics such as racial inequality, voting rights, and Black identity. Under his leadership, the magazine highlighted the achievements of African Americans across various fields, from arts and entertainment to politics and science, inspiring generations to push for change and recognition.
Under Nipson’s editorial guidance and acumen, Ebony assumed a leading role in helping African Americans assert their cultural identity and secure their civil rights.
He received the Capitol Press Club’s outstanding journalist award in 1965, and after 38 years and 456 issues of Ebony, retired in 1987.
Herbert Nipson died on December 10, 2011, at the age of 95.
Today In Black History
In 1898, North Carolina Mutual and Provident Insurance Company, the first African-American-owned insurance company, was founded by John Merrick and Associates in Durham, North Carolina.
In 1908, King Leopold III sold the Congo to Belgium.
In 1924, the first “Colored World Series,” organized by Rube Foster, concluded in Kansas City, MO. The Kansas City Monarchs beat the Darby, PA, Hillsdale Giants five games to four.
In 1942, the “Durham Manifesto,” issued by African Americans of the Southern Conference on Race Relations, called for fundamental changes in race relations.
In 1955, famed calypso singer Harry Belafonte recorded his signature song, “Day-O” (The Banana Boat Song) in New York City.
In 1967, an all-white jury convicted seven individuals for the murder of three civil rights workers in Meridian, MS.
October is my birthday month, and I will be 75 years old this month!
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