Council President Young to honor the 40th anniversary of Black Classic Press

BALTIMORE, MD – City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young will present a ceremonial resolution at Monday’s City Council meeting honoring the 40th anniversary of Black Classic Press.

W. Paul Coates founded Black Classic Press in 1978 in Baltimore, Maryland, originally working from the basement of his house. The company is one of the oldest independently owned Black publishers in operation in the United States.

Founded in 1978, Black Classic Press is devoted to publishing obscure and significant works by and about people of African descent. They specialize in republishing works that are out of print and quite often out of memory.

“Black Classic Press has been a national leader in publishing lost literary gems,” Council President Young said. “I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating Mr. Paul Coates for his 40 years of service to our country as a publisher of African and African-American literature.”

Mr. Coates’ two children, daughter, Kristance Coates, and son, Damani Coates will receive the framed resolution on behalf of Mr. Coates.

WHO: Council President Young, Kristance Coates, Damani Coates

WHAT: City Council resolution for W. Paul Coates.

WHEN: Monday, July 9, 2018, at 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Baltimore City Hall, fourth floor, Council Chambers. Please bring photo I.D. for entrance into City Hall.

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