Dayton's African-American Voice Since 1993

Founded in 1993 by Don G. Black and inspired by pioneers like Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Dayton Weekly News is proud to be Dayton, Ohio’s longest-running African American newspaper. Our mission is to strengthen the community by delivering fair, accurate, and empowering local coverage that centers the African American experience. Through a wide range of topics and stories, we remain committed to providing positive and informative news—both in print and online—that uplifts, informs, and connects our readers.

74th Dayton NAACP Hall of Freedom Awards: Rev. Dr. Lloyd D. Hayes, Sr., Chris R. Cortner, and Rev. Dr. Benjamin E. K. Speare-Hardy II Among Top Winners.

The 74th Dayton NAACP Hall of Freedom Awards celebrated educators, activists, volunteers, youth leaders, veterans, and business pioneers under the theme “Now Is the Time.”

Elderly person in a wheelchair wearing a blue Thunder jersey, clapping. Surrounded by people, daylight setting, conveying pride and joy.

Viola Ford Fletcher Dead at Age 111: Tulsa Massacre Survivor Remembered

Viola Ford Fletcher, one of the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, has died at age 111 after years of advocating for justice and historical recognition.

Woman in red blazer poses seriously against a blue background with a partial view of a U.S. flag.

Dr. Lora Cox-Vance Named Chief of Staff at Dayton VA Medical Center

Dayton native Dr. Lora Cox-Vance becomes Chief of Staff at the Dayton VA Medical Center, bringing extensive experience in geriatric medicine and VA leadership.

Community Updates

Volunteers wearing white shirts serve food to people at a community event. They stand behind a table with trays in a bustling indoor setting.

Dayton’s Feast of Giving Returns in 2025 with Strong Attendance and Community Spirit

Dayton’s Feast of Giving returned in 2025, serving thousands with the help of 400 volunteers, warm meals, winter essentials, and community spirit.

Historic half-timbered houses adorned with festive lights on a cobblestone street at night, creating a warm, vibrant holiday atmosphere.

EVENTS & HOLIDAY LIGHTS AROUND THE REGION

Explore the best 2025 holiday light displays across Dayton and the Miami Valley, including drive-through and walk-through shows, family events, hours, and locations.

Activist Puts Finishing Touches on New Community Resource Center in Dayton

Dayton activist and Fudge Foundation founder Dion Green prepares to open a new community resource center offering services, workshops, and a memorial for victims of the 2019 Oregon District tragedy.

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.

Facade of the U.S. Department of Education building, tan with tall windows. Bold text displayed on the front, under a clear sky.

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.

Faith and Inspiration

Kettering College Announces New President, Dr. Lamata Mitchell

Mother and daughter enjoy a Christ filled family evening with skating

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.

Men’s Day 2023 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church

Business Spotlight

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Del Mar Encore Fellows Selected to Help Lead Community Efforts

The Dayton Foundation introduces four new Del Mar Encore Fellows contributing expertise to mentoring, housing, education, and community resilience.

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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.

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