Pictured: Kalae Whitman, successor of retiring Publisher, Melton Timmons, is both excited and honored to carry on the legacy of leadership at the ENJ.

     TYLER—The East Texas Ebony News Journal announces a transfer in leadership, set for June 2025. Local business owner, Kalae Whitman, has been named Publisher & President, in succession of Mr. Melton Timmons, who is retiring from the role. Timmons acquired the paper in 2002, from Mr. Jerry Russell and Community Broadcast Group.

     “After much reflection, and with a heart full of gratitude, I am announcing my retirement as Publisher and President of the newspaper,” Timmons said. “It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve our community by reporting the stories that matter most—especially those that uplift, inform, and empower the Black community. This work has brought me immeasurable joy and purpose. I firmly believe that now is the right time to pass the torch to my daughter Kalae trusting that she will build on our legacy with fresh vision and continued commitment to truth and justice.”

     For Whitman, “It’s definitely a ‘full circle’ moment. Working for the ENJ was my first job, at 14 years old,” she said. “The news office shared the building with KZEY 690AM, and that’s where I began to learn about communications, public relations, and marketing.”

     “I’m excited to take on a leadership role at the ENJ. There’s a vision of modernizing the paper a bit, expanding our online and social media presence, while maintaining the traditional print legacy & adding print distribution locations. I feel that vision has potential to close some of the generational gaps in our community that make it hard to see eye-to-eye. We have an opportunity here, to provide access to important information in several formats, so that all age groups can stay informed” she continued.

     A native Tylerite, Ms. Whitman is a 2004 graduate of John Tyler High School. After attending Tyler ISD schools, she has participated in many local community grass roots initiatives, working on behalf of the natural hair movement & TX Deregulated Braiders, Black infant mortality & breastfeeding support, Black postpartum & early child development, traditional spiritual practice, healthy eating & nutrition, food access, and Black mental health care.

     Kalae Whitman opened Sankofa Natural Hair in 2011, building from scratch on an inspiration to create a protected space for learning how to care for natural hair using historical techniques and practices. Today, she continues to work as a natural hair advocate, stylist/loc specialist, and educator within the Tyler area. “This is home. My mother’s side has been here since the mid 1800’s- documented ministers, educators, livestock handlers, and cattle raisers. My ancestors built a legacy here that I am honored to carry. I was taught that knowledge is our greatest weapon, and skill is our greatest tool. I am invested in improving the quality of life for our community, by increasing access to information,” Kalae said.

     In terms of the need for local Black-owned media in East Texas, Ms. Whitman feels that Black media still holds relevance in 2025. “There are stories and events that are important to us, that affect us differently, that are often overlooked by mainstream local media. Our focus is on filling in those gaps in coverage. Access to information is key to making empowered and educated opinions.”

     As for the future, she gives an idea of what can be expected to come under her leadership. “Regular coverage will continue to include our established topic categories: local news, editorials, money matters, health & wellness, community spotlights, arts & entertainment, business & church directories. We anticipate growth in advertising, and community outreach, as we will be able to connect with a much larger audience. With the ability to reach our demographic in real-time online, there’s a greater potential to serve our community in a meaningful way.”