Black PR Wire Power Profiler on John B. Smith

Running a newspaper is no easy task. It takes more than just communication skills. The job consists of being a leader. A leader can be described in many ways but no matter what definition is used, a leader is definitely a hard worker.

For the month of January, Black PR Wire wants to salute a leader by the name of John B. Smith for his hard work and integrity. Smith serves as the publisher and chief executive officer of The Atlanta Inquirer.

Smith was born on October 11, 1935 in LaGrange, Georgia and started working at an early age. As a young boy, one of his first jobs was selling The Chicago Defender, Jet and Ebony Magazines. Smith later began working at The Atlanta Inquirer as a part-time advertising salesman in February 1961. Smith started working with The Atlanta Inquirer when the newspaper struggled overcoming the importance of reporting the truth. Since then Smith has moved up the ranks at The Atlanta Inquirer as an advertising manager, vice president, executive president, publisher, and now has become part owner of the newspaper.

Smith has been the leading force for the newspaper's advertising success for more than 30 years. Smith initiated two outstanding projects for The Atlanta Inquirer that was featured as a yearly supplement for the paper: "The Career Edition" and the "Negro Progress Edition." Smith continues to run The Atlanta Inquirer on its founding motto," To seek the truth and report it without fear or favor."

Along with being publisher and CEO of The Atlanta Inquirer, Smith also serves as chairman of the National Newspaper Publisher's Association "the Black Press." Smith has received several awards and recognition for his hard work. He has been selected as a "City Shaper" in the Atlanta Magazine and named "Young Man of the Year" in business. Smith is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Black PR Wire salutes media icons such as John B. Smith, and encourages them to continue working hard to climb the ladder of success.