Shirley Ann Barber James is a Spelman College Class of 1968 alum who has been feted in recognition of her dual legacy as Publisher of The Savannah Tribune and her transformative work in voter empowerment, alongside her extraordinary lifetime of service, leadership, and commitment to civic engagement. As Publisher of The Savannah Tribune since 1983, she has preserved and strengthened one of the nation’s oldest Black-owned newspapers, established in 1875. As only the second female publisher in the newspaper’s storied history, she has ensured that this crucial institution—the only dedicated vehicle for amplifying Black voices in the Savannah community—continues its mission of informing and advocating for the community. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she spent 32-year career at Savannah State University, culminating as interim Vice President for Student Affairs.
