Dr. Dwight McKenna, a physician, surgeon, and former Orleans Parish school board member, and Beverly Stanton McKenna founded the New Orleans Tribune in 1985, along with Kermit Thomas and James Borders—two young men who shared the McKennas’ vision for an editorially substantive, graphically pleasing publication geared toward New Orleans' middle-class African-American population.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

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. However, limited opportunities for African-Americans in the field at that time 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 provided employment and training opportunities for the many young African-Americans who have passed through the Tribune’s doors in the last 33 years.She is also pleased when readers label The Tribune as a true “voice of integrity” for New Orleans’ African-American community.

Anitra Brown, Managing Editor, joined the staff as editor in March 2004 and immediately brought her fresh ideas, immense talent, and skills to the publication while still embracing the long-standing tradition of The Tribune and its objective to offer readers news and information from a perspective not heard in the city’s mainstream media.

A native of the New Orleans metropolitan area, Anitra is a graduate of Dillard University and the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri–Columbia, where she earned her master’s degree in journalism. Trained as a government beat reporter, her experiences in journalism stem from stints as a staff writer at The Myrtle Beach (SC) Sun News, the Thibodaux (LA) Daily Comet, and The Houston Chronicle. Shortly before joining The Tribune, Anitra made her living as a freelance writer in the New Orleans area. She has also taught journalism at several colleges and universities, including Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C., Delgado Community College, and Dillard University, both in New Orleans. Most importantly, her professional knowledge, passion for, and commitment to the practice of journalism have made her a vital part of The Tribune’s staff. She has become integral to the developing The Tribune’s editorial focus.