Dayton's African American Voice since 1993

The Dayton Weekly News, founded in 1993 by Don G. Black, is Dayton, Ohio’s longest-running African American newspaper. It provides fair and accurate news coverage for the African-American community, addressing a need identified by Black. The paper delivers weekly content on local politics, health, education, business, community news, religion, sports, and entertainment. Inspired by pioneers like Paul Laurence Dunbar, it continues to offer positive and informative news for its readers, both in print and online.

Our Mission

The Dayton Weekly News aims to strengthen the community by delivering positive, African American-focused content across various local topics, ensuring it’s always "news you can use."

Dayton Local News

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Helen Jones-Kelley to Retire from ADAMHS

Montgomery County ADAMHS Executive Director Helen Jones-Kelley announces her retirement after a distinguished career in behavioral health, public service, and community leadership. Full story on her impact, accomplishments, and legacy across Dayton and Ohio.

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Dayton NAACP Honors Cora H. Diggs with 2025 Community Service Award

The Dayton NAACP has recognized educator, real estate leader, and longtime community advocate Cora H. Diggs with the 2025 Community Service Award. Read her inspiring story of leadership, service, and impact across Dayton.

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Beyond City Limits: How 2025 Elections Reshape Black Political Power Across Dayton MSA

This year’s elections transformed more than City Hall—they reshaped Black political power across the entire Dayton metropolitan region. From Turner-Sloss’s historic mayoral win to the community-driven push for a West Dayton hospital, voters signaled change is possible. Yet widening suburban disparities reveal how far the region still must go. DWN breaks down the wins, the warning signs, and what’s at stake next.

Community Updates

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MVRPC Awarded the Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations for the Regional Resiliency Guidebook & Toolkit

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The Foodbank: Feeding Hope and Strengthening the Miami Valley

For over 40 years, The Foodbank, Inc. has led the fight against hunger in the Miami Valley. Through its network of 110 partner agencies, the organization distributes food, supports families, and addresses the root causes of food insecurity. Inspired by The Foodbank’s mission, the Dayton Weekly News is launching a living Community Resource Directory to connect residents with essential local services.

Leadership Dayton honors Montgomery County ADAMHS Executive Director Helen Jones-Kelley with the Board Service Career Award for her decades of transformative nonprofit and civic leadership.

Helen Jones-Kelley to Be Honored at Leadership Dayton 50th Anniversary Gala

Helen Jones-Kelley, Executive Director of Montgomery County ADAMHS, received the Board Service Career Award at Leadership Dayton’s 50th Anniversary Gala for her exceptional nonprofit leadership. She has served on numerous boards including Dayton Children’s, Sinclair College, and National CASA.

Introducing Our New Real Estate Section

We’re proud to announce the launch of the Dayton Weekly News Real Estate Hub — a dynamic new space on our website dedicated to real estate listings, professional services, and housing resources that directly serve our local community.

This initiative is made possible through a powerful partnership with the Greater Dayton Realtist Association (GDRA), the local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) — the oldest minority real estate trade association in the country.

Visit the Real Estate Section

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Education

Notre Dame Football Coach, Wayne Grad Donates $330K to Huber Heights Schools

Notre Dame’s head football coach and Wayne High School alumnus Marcus Freeman is giving back to his hometown in a big way — donating $330,000 to fund a new weight room for Huber Heights City Schools. His contribution reflects both gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility to the community that shaped him.

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A 'Fresh Start': Student Loan Forgiveness is Back. Here's What It Means for Black Borrowers in Dayton

Federal student loan forgiveness is officially back — and thousands of borrowers in the Miami Valley could see life-changing relief. Learn who qualifies, what’s covered under the new legal agreement, and how local resources are helping Dayton borrowers rebuild financial stability.

YLAG Relaunches Project Brown Girl With a Focus on Body Positivity

Young Ladies Aspiring Greatness (YLAG) is relaunching its Project Brown Girl campaign on September 2, 2025, spotlighting body positivity. The initiative encourages teens to embrace their natural beauty and self-worth while challenging harmful self-image pressures from social media.

Back To The Future, the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Dayton this December.

Winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, four WhatsOnStage Awards (including Best New Musical), and the Broadway World Award for Best New Musical, BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL is adapted for the stage by the iconic film’s creators Bob Gale (Back To The Future trilogy) and Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump) and directed by the Tony Award® winner John Rando with original music by multi-Grammy® winners Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Endgame) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror”), alongside hit songs from the movie including “The Power Of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back In Time.”

When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself… back to the future. When BACK TO THE FUTURE hits 88 mph, it’ll change musical theatre history forever.

Learn more

Business Spotlight

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The Real Cost of Entrepreneurship for Black Founders

Discover how Black entrepreneurs in Dayton and beyond are tackling structural barriers, accessing capital, and redefining wealth through cooperative models, grants, and community investment.

The Becoming of Utsey T. Shelton: Empowering Women to Rise

From radio producer to ordained minister, business advisor, and author, Utsey T. Shelton’s life is a journey of faith, service, and transformation. Her mission is clear: to help women become who they truly are—boldly, audaciously, and on purpose.

Palace Theatre Grand Opening Christmas 1927 - W. Fifth St. Dayton, Ohio

Dayton Celebrates Black Business Month with Purpose

Every August, Dayton Weekly News joins communities across the country in observing Black Business Month - a time to elevate Black entrepreneurship and drive conversations around equity, ownership, and generational wealth. For us, it’s more than a tribute. It’s a commitment.

Faith and Inspiration

Kettering College Announces New President, Dr. Lamata Mitchell

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Sophia Learning Center to Host Gospel on Skates Family Night

June is a time to honor the cherished bonds that families share, and this year, Sophia Learning Center celebrates National Family Month with the much-anticipated return of the center’s annual fundraiser, Gospel on Skates – Family Night! Scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Orbit Fun Center in Huber Heights.