Arts & Entertainment
Cloves Campbell, Jr.: The ‘NNPA Chairman’ Interview
Kam Williams
Special To The Skanner News
KW: What did you think of the Zimmerman verdict?
CC: Unfortunately, it was what I expected. Once we
knew the makeup of
the jury, the verdict was a forgone conclusion. Naturally,
I am
disappointed, but I honestly believe that this may be the
wakeup call
that this generation of black folks needs.
C
loves C. Campbell, Jr., is the publisher of the Ari-
zona Informant, a family-owned and operated
newspaper that provides an important voice for the
African-American community in Arizona. This year it cele-
brates 42 years of publishing. Currently, he serves as Board
Chair of the National Newspaper Publishers’ Association.
As a Phoenix native, his personal commitment and
knowledge of the community in which he grew up shows
throughout his work. Most recently, he served in the State
House of Representatives for District 16 from 2007-2010
fulfilling duties on the Appropriations, Banking and Insur-
ance, and House Ethics committees.
With an extensive background in marketing communica-
tions, media/public relations and advertising sales, Cloves
lent his expertise as Vice-Chair of Arizona African-Ameri-
can Democratic Caucus. He is also a board member of the
following organizations: The George Washington Carver
Museum Board, Roosevelt Foundation for Our Children’s
Future, The Black Theatre Troupe, Arizona African Ameri-
can Legislative Days Coalition, Wells Fargo Community
Advisory Board, Tanner Chapel A.M.E. Church Renais-
sance Committee and First Tee of Arizona.
A lifetime member of the NAACP, Cloves was educated
at Pitzer College in Claremont, Calif., and University of
Virginia Darden School of Business Legislators Program.
He and his wife of 22 years, Lanette, have three children:
Daivon, Chanette, and Cloves III.
Kam Williams: Hi Cloves, thanks for the interview. Con-
gratulations on being reelected Chairman of the NNPA!
Cloves Campbell: Thanks, Kam. It is truly an honor to be
the Chairman of the premiere news organization in the
world for black folks.
KW: How are things at the Informant?
CC: Things are going really well. We are celebrating 42
years of publishing.
KW: I really admired your dad and your uncle, and I
think it’s great that you and Roland have not only built upon
their vision, and that you run a photo of them in the paper
every week. That touches me every time I see it, since they
were such solid gentlemen and reminded me of my father
who was from the same generation and also a WWII veter-
an.
CC: Thank you. I believe that it is important to remember
the people that paved the way for you. They are definitely
my role models. I think about them every day.
KW: How would you describe the primary mission of the
Black Press?
CC: I believe that our mission is to deliver the news of
and about the Black Community to our respective markets.
The most important aspect our mission is that we deliver
that news from the black perspective.
KW: What’s at the top of your agenda as you start your
new term?
CC: My main focus will be, as it was two years ago, to
continue to integrate the digital platform to our member
papers’ portfolios. However, we still want to maintain our
Page 6 The Portland Skanner August 28, 2013
KW: Does Arizona have a “Stand Your Ground” law in
effect right now?
CC: Yes we do. We are currently engaging with our leg-
islature to review
the law.
KW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest
childhood memory?
CC: Well, probably really wanting a pair of cowboy
boots. It is likely
the reason why I wear them now so much!
KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was
the last book you read?
CC: “Uneven Lies” by Pete McDaniel.
KW: The music maven Heather Covington question:
What was the last song you listened to?
CC: “Jamaican Funk” by Tom Browne.
Cloves Campbell, Jr
Portland and Seattle are the
finalists to host the National
Newspaper Publishers
Association national
convention in June of 2014
strong print presence, as well as to continue to reach out to
younger readers.
KW: Do you consider mainstream papers as your compe-
tition?
CC: Not at all. Mainstream papers biggest competition is
television. They are competing for the instant gratification
customer. Black newspapers are a niche market and black
consumers are now being targeted by major corporations
for their dollars.
KW: Do you think the NNPA publications get their fair
share of corporate advertising dollars?
CC: Definitely not! We have been making that argument
for several decades. As a matter of fact, two years ago we
partnered with the Nielsen Ratings Research Company to
do a study of African-American consumers and it has been
very useful in our advertising sales call and marketing
efforts.
KW: What is your favorite dish to cook?
CC: Angel hair pasta with shrimp.
KW: The Mike Pittman question: What was your best
career decision?
CC: Getting into the newspaper business, of course!
KW: The Anthony Anderson question: If you could have
a superpower, which one would you choose?
CC: I would be able to fly. You saw Big Willy in the film
Hancock!
KW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do
you believe all successful people share?
CC: The ability to listen.
KW: The Michael Ealy question: If you could meet any
historical figure, who would it be?
CC: Frederick Douglass.
KW: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to
follow in your footsteps?
CC: Treat everyone the same way you would want to be
treated.
KW: Attorney Bernadette Beekman asks: What is your
favorite charity?
CC: The Arizona Informant Foundation. [Chuckles] I’m
a little biased.
KW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be
remembered?
CC: As a person who was always willing to help others.