Jackson Advocate Publisher DeAnna Tisdale Johnson Continues Family Legacy

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DeAnna Tisdale Johnson, the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Jackson Advocate newspaper, is continuing her family's legacy by leading the digital transformation of the historic Black publication. At just 29 years old, Johnson is one of the youngest publishers in the history of Black newspapers in Mississippi.

Why it matters

The Jackson Advocate has been a vital voice for the Black community in Mississippi for decades, and Johnson's leadership is crucial in ensuring the newspaper's continued relevance and impact in the digital age. As a young, dynamic publisher, Johnson represents the next generation of Black media leaders.

The details

Johnson oversees a small staff as she works to grow the Jackson Advocate to its former glory and beyond by digitizing the medium. She has been a published writer for the publication since the age of 14, following in the footsteps of her father, Charles Tisdale, who was the owner and publisher until his death. Her mother, Alice Tisdale, is now the publisher emeritus.

• DeAnna Tisdale Johnson became the publisher and editor-in-chief of the Jackson Advocate in 2023, at the age of 26.
• Johnson has been a published writer for the Jackson Advocate since the age of 14.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Johnson plans to facilitate a summer classical music festival in her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi within the next couple of years, further expanding the reach and impact of the Jackson Advocate.