As the first and only African editor, publisher, and owner of a leading Black newspaper in upstate New York, back in the day, Kofi Quaye turned the Black.media.in Syracuse into a battleground for justice, representation, and truth. His latest book, BEYOND BORDERS, just dropped, fusing historical analysis, personal storytelling, and hard-hitting journalism to document a community that was rapidly changing in the seventies, eighties, nineties and two thousands. If you want the real story behind Black media, police brutality, and the fight for racial justice in upstate New York and America, this book is it.
Quaye’s career has been all about writing and publishing. His newspaper didn’t just cover the news—it made news. One of his most defining moments? His photographer was at the center of a landmark police brutality case in Syracuse in the late seventies, one of the first major incidents to shake upstate New York. Instead of backing down, Quaye amplified the story, pushing the truth into the spotlight. His articles and editorials were a call to action that helped shape public opinion and mobilize communities.
His impact goes beyond journalism. From chronicling the struggles of Black homeownership to exposing the systemic barriers facing African immigrants in America, Quaye has been at the crossroads of history and activism. His career has intersected with key moments in political and social movements—from the rise of Black media powerhouses to the digital revolution that reshaped storytelling. He didn’t just report history; he lived it, challenged it, and reshaped it.
With BEYOND BORDERS, Quaye cements his legacy as a journalist who broke barriers. His story is a must-read for anyone who cares about the power of the media, the resilience of Black communities, and the pursuit of justice. Ready to dive in? Inquiries at 315-949-4126.