Post Newspaper Invites NNPA to Join Nationwide Probate Reform Initiative

Black press urged to educate community on probate court abuses threatening generational wealth

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Post newspaper has announced a nationwide probate reform initiative and is actively recruiting the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents over 200 Black newspapers, to join the effort. The Post says there is a 'probate five-alarm fire' occurring in Black communities, with predatory behavior and criminality in probate courts leading to the plundering of estates and the loss of generational wealth.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to leverage the power of the Black press to educate the community about the growing crisis in probate courts, where beneficiaries are often stripped of their rightful inheritance due to unscrupulous practices by attorneys, guardians, and judges. By joining forces, the Black press can raise awareness and advocate for reforms to protect Black families' generational wealth.

The details

The Post's Probate Reform Group meets monthly and is opening its doors to the entire NNPA network. The group is urging Black newspapers to inform their readers about the importance of having a will, trust, and even videotaping the reading of estate documents to prevent court challenges. The Post says the simple solution is to avoid probate court altogether, as once you enter the system, your will and trust can be easily discounted.

  • The Post's Probate Reform Group meets the first Thursday of every month via Zoom.
  • The next probate reform meeting is on March 5, 2026 from 7 – 9 p.m. PST.

The players

National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

A trade association representing the Black press with over 200 newspapers nationwide.

The Post

A newspaper that has launched a nationwide probate reform initiative and is recruiting the NNPA to join the effort.

Tanya Dennis

A reporter who says the adage 'When America catches a cold, Black folks catch the flu' is too true when it comes to probate court abuses.

Venus Gist

A co-host of the Post's Probate Reform Group who encourages creating a will, trust, and videotaping the reading of estate documents to prevent court challenges.

Paul Cobb

The publisher of The Post, who says the simple solution is to avoid probate court at all costs.

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What they’re saying

“The adage that 'When America catches a cold, Black folks catch the flu' is too true in practice; that's why we're engaging the Black Press to not only warn, but educate the Black community regarding the criminal actions we see in probate court: Thousands are losing generational wealth to strangers. It's a travesty that happens daily.”

— Tanya Dennis, Reporter (The Post)

“Unfortunately, people are their own worst enemy when it comes to speaking with loved ones regarding their demise. It's an uncomfortable subject that most avoid, but they do so at their peril. The courts rely on dissention between family members, so I encourage not only a will and trust [be created] but also videotape the reading of your documents so you can show you're of sound mind.”

— Venus Gist, Co-host of the Probate Reform Group (The Post)

“The simple solution is to avoid probate at all costs. If beneficiaries can't agree, hire a private mediator and attorney to work things out. The moment you walk into court, you are vulnerable to the whims of the court. Your will and trust mean nothing.”

— Paul Cobb, Publisher of The Post (The Post)

“In my case, the will and trust were clear that I am the beneficiary of the estate, but the opposing attorney said I used undue influence to make myself beneficiary. He said that without proof, and the judge upheld the attorney's baseless assertion. In court, the will and trust is easily discounted.”

— Zakiya Jendayi, Co-host of the Probate Reform Group and a victim (The Post)

What’s next

The next probate reform meeting hosted by The Post is on March 5, 2026 from 7 – 9 p.m. PST. The Zoom meeting details are: Meeting ID: 825 0367 1750, Passcode: 475480. All are welcome to attend.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights the growing crisis in probate courts, where Black families are increasingly at risk of losing their generational wealth due to predatory practices by attorneys, guardians, and judges. By joining forces, the Black press can play a vital role in educating the community and advocating for much-needed reforms to protect this critical asset for Black Americans.