By Zoie D. Roberson, granddaughter of William Smothers and daughter of Jemeana Smothers-Roberson
For more than 45 years, William D. Smothers has been a steadfast voice in Huntsville and North Alabama’s African American community, serving as the founder and publisher of Speakin’ Out News. With over 2,356 issues published, his passion for journalism remains unwavering. At 75 years old, Smothers continues his mission to ensure the newspaper remains a trusted source of information, advocacy, and cultural representation.
Smothers’ journey began in 1980 when he launched Speakin’ Out Magazine, a monthly publication aimed at filling the void of African American news coverage. Recognizing the need for more frequent reporting, he transitioned the magazine into a bimonthly and then a weekly newspaper—Speakin’ Out News—which has since become the longest-running African American newspaper in North Alabama.
Over the decades, Smothers has witnessed the publishing industry evolve from traditional print layouts to fully digital production. His publication, which once operated from his kitchen table in Decatur, now has a permanent home at 4839 Sparkman Drive in Huntsville. Despite industry-wide challenges that have forced many newspapers to shut down, Speakin’ Out News thrives, maintaining a strong print presence every Wednesday while expanding its digital reach.
Today, the newspaper boasts a total print and electronic circulation of 33,458, with an impressive 120,000 monthly clicked impressions on its website, www.speakinoutweeklynews.net. What began with just $735 and a vision has grown into a vital institution. Smothers, who balanced publishing with his career as a special education teacher in Morgan County, tirelessly sold ads, conducted interviews, and wrote stories between lesson plans. In 1985, he made the bold decision to leave education and fully commit to publishing—a choice that has since shaped the media landscape in North Alabama.
Beyond the newsroom, Smothers is a proud graduate of Jackson State University and remains actively involved in various community organizations. He is married to Dr. Deloris Smothers, retired director of Computer Information Systems at Drake State Community & Technical College, and is the proud father of four daughters—Jemeana Smothers-Roberson, Knegleshia Smothers-Cobb, Terra Smothers-Carter, and Canderiah Smothers—as well as a devoted grandfather to nine grandchildren.
Jemeana Smothers Roberson: Carrying the Torch
Among Smothers’ greatest sources of pride is seeing his daughter, Jemeana Smothers Roberson, continue his legacy. Since 1997, Roberson has been instrumental in the newspaper’s growth as Associate Publisher and Managing Editor, ensuring its sustainability and editorial excellence.
As Associate Publisher, she plays a key role in advertising sales, circulation, and marketing strategies, helping to expand the newspaper’s readership and financial stability.
In her role as Managing Editor, Roberson oversees newsroom operations, assigns and edits stories, and ensures that every issue meets the highest journalistic standards. She leads a dedicated team of reporters and content creators, covering topics that impact North Alabama’s Black community. Under her leadership, Speakin’ Out News has continued to evolve, maintaining a strong print presence while embracing digital media trends.
Roberson’s deep commitment to the publication reflects her father’s enduring vision: to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. “This newspaper is more than a business—it’s a responsibility. It’s about preserving history, amplifying voices, and making sure the next generation knows their stories matter,” Roberson says. “I stand on the foundation my father built, and I’m committed to keeping this legacy alive for years to come.”
As the newspaper continues to make history, William D. Smothers remains grateful for the publication’s longevity and impact. “By God’s grace, we’ve withstood the test of time. While many publications have shut down or been absorbed by corporate media, Speakin’ Out News remains independent, family-owned and operated, standing strong as a beacon for the community,” he says.
Together, William D. Smothers and Jemeana Smothers Roberson are ensuring that Speakin’ Out News will continue its mission—”Making history every week—one story at a time.”
