Ethel Payne, known as the "First Lady of the Black Press," was a pioneering African American journalist who played a crucial role in the fight for civil rights and racial equality. She was known for her fearless reporting on issues of racial injustice and discrimination, becoming one of the first African American women to cover the White House.

Payne began her career in journalism in the 1940s, working for various African American newspapers such as the Chicago Defender. She later became a reporter for the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), where she covered major events such as the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War.

Payne was known for asking tough questions and holding those in power accountable for their actions. Her reporting helped to bring attention to issues of segregation, police brutality, and systemic racism in the United States.

Ethel Payne's journalism career spanned over five decades, during which she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black journalists. She was posthumously inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame in 2018, recognizing her significant contributions to the field of journalism.