BEVERLY STANTON MCKENNA, who has been the constant in overall direction and day-to-day operations of McKenna Publishing Co., says she has been preparing for her role as publisher/editor all of her life. As a young girl, McKenna dreamed of a career in journalism and communications. Limited opportunities for African-Americans in the field at that time, however, caused her to major in English instead of journalism at Indiana University. But McKenna continued to study and kept a close eye on the role and significance of the Black press in the African-American community. Prior to founding The Tribune, McKenna had been a high school English teacher in Washington D. C. She also was public information officer for the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
McKenna is particularly proud to have been able to provide employment and training opportunities for the many young African-Americans who have passed through the Tribune’s doors in the last 28 years. She is also pleased when readers label The Tribune as a true “voice of integrity” for New Orleans’ African-American community.