Our subject is a reader, and, it follows, can be nothing less than a writer. He reads the best literature and newspapers. The Star of Zion is authority for any news it publishes concerning the race. It is frequently quoted by our leading papers, as well as by those of the whites. As a popular educator in the religious and moral sphere of our people, it has successfully served as leaven, and will continue to until we shall rise in light and power.
The Freeman of August 17, 1889, said: "The Star of Zion is one of the most liberal and progressive denominational colored newspapers in the country. It has a good word for every creed, and its editorials are alway spicy and pointed." We welcome The Star as one, bright and fixed in the planetary system of Afro-American journalism.
William E. King, Editor Fair Play.
This brilliant young man, the editor of a paper whose name indicates its purpose, was born in Noxumbee County, Mississippi, June 7th, 1865, his parents being Richmond and Margaret King. Though he was free-born, his parents had been slaves.
Young King was very studious in his youth, and received a good English education in the public schools of his county, and also acquired considerable knowledge of Latin. He engaged in teaching from 1881 to 1888, when he began what has been his most conspicuous public service, journalism. In 1888, Mr. King, at the earnest request of the managers, went to Helena, Arkansas, and became business manager and contributing editor of the Jacob's Friend, which position he filled with satisfaction to his employes, and with much credit to himself.
In February, 1889, in company with Mr. S. S. Jones, a prominent young man of Enterprise, Mississippi, Mr. King
