Howard Coles
Written by luma on February 8, 2026
Howard Coles was a pioneering journalist, historian, and community advocate who spent his life documenting and championing the Black community in Rochester. In 1934, he founded the Frederick Douglass Voice, which became one of the longest-running African American newspapers in New York State. Through the publication, Coles addressed critical issues such as housing discrimination, employment inequality, and civil rights, providing a platform that mainstream media often ignored.
Coles was also a trailblazer in broadcasting, becoming one of the first Black radio announcers in the region. His commitment to history led him to author The Negro in Rochester: 1900–1940, a vital record of the city’s demographic and social shifts. Beyond his media work, he was a social activist who served as a housing consultant and worked closely with the NAACP. Today, his extensive archives are preserved at the University of Rochester, ensuring his decades of research and advocacy remain a resource for future generations.
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