Publisher’s Commentary: 21 Years of Purpose, Faith and the Responsibility of Truth

Twenty-one years ago, on March 24, 2005, I stepped out on faith and launched The Courier Eco Latino—the Tri-City’s only bilingual newspaper. What I didn’t fully understand then, but I know without question now, is that this was never just about starting a newspaper.

It was about answering a calling.

When we began, we were one of two Black-owned newspapers consistently publishing in this community. Today, we stand as the only one. That reality is both a point of pride and a point of responsibility. Because being the last one standing means the assignment is even greater.

From the very beginning, our mission was to be the conscience of the minority community—to tell the stories that others ignored, to give voice to those who were often unheard. But as this community has grown and evolved, so has our role.

Today, we are not simply the conscience of a minority. As the demographics of the community has shifted to African Americans representing well over fifty percent we can claim the title of the conscience of the community.

And that comes with weight.

We serve a diverse and dynamic population—African American, Hispanic, Caucasian and beyond—and we’ve remained committed to meeting people where they are. That’s why we continue to publish in both English and Spanish, ensuring that information is not just available, but accessible.

Because informed people make empowered decisions.

For more than 7,665 days, we have stayed true to our mission: to educate, enlighten, inform, empower, inspire and, when appropriate, entertain. That’s not just a slogan—it’s a standard. It’s the filter through which we approach every story, every headline, every decision.

As part of the Black press, I believe we carry a unique responsibility. We are not only called to report—we are called to advocate when necessary. We exist because our readers depend on us for news that is relevant, reliable and rooted in respect for what matters to them.

Let me be clear: if we don’t tell our own story, if we don’t represent our own people, then we surrender that power to someone else. And history has already shown us what happens when that occurs.

That’s why we’ve made a conscious decision to be unapologetic and unafraid in speaking truth to power—no matter who that power belongs to. Whether it’s confronting systems that attempt to suppress us or addressing individuals within our own community who fail us, the standard remains the same: tell the truth.

Not the convenient truth. Not the popular truth. But the truth.

We believe that sunshine is the best disinfectant. And while we don’t claim to know everything, we are committed to speaking the truth that we do know. Because words matter. And when used responsibly, truth has the power to create change.

Now let me share something personal. I never set out to be a newspaper publisher. My plan was simple—I wanted to work, lead and retire as a CEO within the YMCA. But God had a different plan.

In 2005, He asked me to step out on faith—without a degree in journalism, without technical skills, without the ability to speak Spanish, and without the financial resources to start a business.

By every logical measure, it didn’t make sense. But purpose rarely does.

What I’ve learned over these 21 years is that this journey has not been about coincidence—it has been about confidence. Confidence in knowing that when God places you somewhere, He also equips you for the assignment.

“I will be your source,” He said. And He has been—every step of the way.

So today, as I reflect on this 21-year journey, I do so with gratitude. Gratitude for the community that has embraced us. Gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in us. Gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

To Columbus, Fort Benning and Phenix City—thank you. We don’t take your trust lightly.

And as long as we have a platform, we will continue to be your Source of Truth—without gossip, without innuendo, without embellishment, and without exaggeration. Because in the end, it’s not about being first.

It’s about being right.

— Wane A. Hailes, Publisher