Zion Family,
WE MADE IT! With your support, we are on the cusp of celebrating the 150th Anniversary of The Star of Zion. This is no small achievement, but rather one to be lauded within our Zion family and celebrated globally with collective organizations, fellow publications, and ecumenical partners who join us in producing the good news across all media platforms.
For much of our history, The Star of Zion was not simply a newspaper—it was the primary means of connection for The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Founded in 1876, the Star carried the official voice of the Church, sharing pastoral appointments, conference proceedings, episcopal messages, theological reflection, and news from local congregations at a time when access to information for Black communities was limited and often denied. Long before email, livestreams, and digital editions, Zionites relied on these pages to stay informed, encouraged, and united across districts, conferences, and generations. Through seasons of change, social transformation, and faithful leadership, The Star of Zion has remained a trusted witness to the life and mission of the Freedom Church.
When we mention additional media platforms today, we do so while recognizing that the landscape of how news is transmitted has vastly changed since even a decade ago. Email marketing has proven to be one of the most effective ways for subscribers and readers to receive updates and notifications. When sharing content online, it is essential to have proper links to digital publications and e-editions readily available so audiences can engage more deeply. And let us not forget the importance of short-form video content to accompany stories—visuals that help crystallize the essence of each piece.
You notice these trends. You have adapted to them. And you may be saying to yourself right now, I don’t see this consistently with The Star of Zion.
You are right.
Despite being an award-winning newspaper, recognized by the Associated Church Press, The Star of Zion must expand its capacity to keep pace with the evolving ways news is shared and received. With rising publishing costs and the increasing need for software and hardware to produce the content you expect and deserve, we will be making strategic moves this year to ensure we do not shortchange our audience. At the same time, we remain firmly committed to providing stellar storytelling rooted in our core values of Truth, Faith, and Love.
As you have supported us in the past, we will need your continued support in the future. How, you ask? Here are a few ways you can help:
- We commit to being your first choice for breaking news, both digitally and in print.
- We invite each subscriber to serve as an ambassador, evangelizing through our various media platforms.
- We aspire for every Zionite to be an active subscriber.
- We seek to promote your brand through digital and print advertising partnerships.
Making even a few of these commitments will drastically change the trajectory of our beloved movement—and you will undoubtedly see the positive impact.
Thank you in advance for how you will continue to support our editorial work. It is because of the God-inspired ministry happening at the local church and district levels that we even have a publication worthy of celebrating. You have done so much for our church, and we remain committed to upholding the mission and vision of the Freedom Church by documenting our shared life and witness for the world to see—honoring the last 150 years and preparing for the next 150.
Thank you for all that you do and all that you have done.
Blessed to Serve,
Mr. Darin Kent
Editor in Chief, The Star of Zion
Please stay tuned for more information about the celebratory efforts taking place throughout the year in honor of the 150th Anniversary of The Star of Zion.
