Messrs. R. D. Littlejohn and D. A. Williams, Editors of The New Light.
In Warren County, North Carolina, July, 1855, was born Richard D. Littlejohn, whose work in Afro-American journalism has been marked by many sacrifices, and much diligent application. He is well educated, having spent considerable time in these universities: Lincoln, in Oxford, Pa.; Fisk, in Nashville, Tenn.; and Oberlin, in Ohio. He has since taught in Mississippi. For eight years he has been a member of the teachers' examining board for his county. He is also prominent in society circles, particularly among the Odd Fellows and Free Masons. Mr. Littlejohn has often made use of the expression: "The destiny of the negro race in the South rests in secrecy and brotherly love."
When Messrs. Littlejohn and Williams began the publication of The New Light in 1886, the community said that it could not continue longer than two or three months, the assertion being based on the fact that so many papers had been commenced by our people, which seemed to flourish a short while, only to die. Many, who really sympathized with the new and enterprising project, subscribed for only three or four months.
The paper proved to be a burden to the publishers for two years, their disbursements for that time reaching $1160, and the receipts $489. But things have changed since, and now the monthly receipts exceed the expenditures. The New Light has passed its crisis, and the dawn of a prosperous day has come.
During all its trying and perplexing times, when it seemed that both courage and perseverance would inevitably fail, Mr. Littlejohn held up the flag with untiring fortitude. All the responsibility rested upon him, but he never shrank from duty, nor did he labor in suspense; for, encouraged by the
