Why Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor Matter for Black West Virginians

Why Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor Matter for Black West Virginians

For Black West Virginians, sharing our stories and opinions in public forums isn’t just important—it’s essential. Op-eds (short for “opposite the editorial page”) and letters to the editor give us the power to shape conversations, influence policy, and document our history in real time. Yet too many of our voices go unheard, buried behind paywalls or never published at all.

What Are Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor?

Both op-eds and letters to the editor are short pieces of writing that appear in newspapers and online publications.

• Op-eds are opinion essays that explain your perspective on an issue, offering argument and insight. Think of them as a public letter to your community, written to persuade or educate.
  
• Letters to the editor are usually shorter (150-250 words) and respond directly to recent news coverage or public issues, often clarifying a fact, offering a counterpoint, or urging action.
  

Why They Matter

For generations, Black West Virginians, including Rev. Matthew Watts, Rev. Ronald English, and David Fryson, have shaped community conversations through their sermons and local leadership. Between them, they’ve published an estimated 300 op-eds and letters—many of which now sit behind paywalls, hidden from the very communities they were written to serve. Their words contain history, advocacy, and wisdom that deserve to be accessible.

Op-eds and letters to the editor enable Black voices to challenge harmful narratives, highlight local achievements, and advocate for systemic change. They also create a public record—one that future generations can learn from.

At a time when there’s a serious lack of Black reporters in West Virginia—and few journalists covering our communities from a Black perspective—your voice is more important than ever. Submitting an op-ed or letter to your local paper can help fill that gap. Sharing your lived experience matters.

Tips for Writing Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor

• Be Clear and Direct. Say what you believe, and explain why it matters to your community.
  
• Stay Focused. Choose one main point. Whether it’s healthcare access, voting rights, or celebrating local leaders, focus your message.
  
• Keep It Timely. Respond to current events or recent news stories for a higher chance of publication.
  
• Include a Call to Action. Tell readers what you hope will happen next—whether that’s calling a legislator or attending a community event.
  
• Respect the Word Count. Op-eds generally run between 600-750 words. Letters to the editor should be 150-250 words.
  
• Use Your Voice. Don’t be afraid to write the way you speak. Your authentic voice matters.
  

How to Submit

Most newspapers accept submissions by email or through online portals. Below are major outlets serving West Virginia:

• Charleston Gazette-Mail
  
  • Letters: letters@wvgazettemail.com
    
  • Op-Eds: commentary@wvgazettemail.com
    
  • Include your full name, address, and phone number for verification.
    
• Huntington Herald-Dispatch
  
  • Letters: hdletters@hdmediallc.com
    
  • Op-Eds: Use their website submission form or email editor.
    
• Beckley Register-Herald
  
  • Letters: editor@register-herald.com
    
• Bluefield Daily Telegraph
  
  • Letters: bdteditor@bdtonline.com
    
• The Black By God Community Editorial Desk
  
  • Submissions welcome at: info@blackbygod.org
    
  • We help develop, edit, and amplify voices from Black Appalachia.
    

The Vision: Freeing Black Thought from Paywalls

Today, too many of our leaders’ reflections remain locked behind subscriptions. Voices like those of Watts, English, and Fryson offer not just opinions, but a living record of Black West Virginian thought leadership. At Black By God, we envision a future where these insights are free and accessible—a digital library of Black Appalachian wisdom.

Until that day, every new op-ed or letter written by you helps build that record.

Your Voice Belongs in the Public Record
We encourage you to submit to your local paper—but remember, Black By God always has an open door for your submission. Whether you’re writing your first letter or your fiftieth, your words deserve to be seen and heard.

Our opinions belong to us—and to the future.

~ Crystal Good
Founder/Publisher Black By God