This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
This week as I start my 10th year with the newspaper, I wanted to reflect on my journey to this personal milestone.
On March 18, 2013, I accepted a job with the Taylor Daily Press — now known as The Taylor Press — while I was still working part time for a mobile portrait studio. I was on my lunch break eating at a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in San Marcos, and then I went back to work and turned in my two-week notice.
In the email I received, then-Publisher Mike Eddleman said he had a job that would be a “perfect fit.” I'm glad he took a chance on me.
On March 21, 2013, I started at the newspaper as a general-assignment reporter. I knew I could handle the duties – writing, photography and interviewing.
Those weren’t my biggest concerns. My biggest fear was being back in my hometown but failing to meet or exceed expectations. I also had a few personal reasons for returning. As a Black man coming from Taylor, I had to make sure I succeeded and did it the right way. Not just for me, but for other African-American residents from the past, the present and the future. I know some of Taylor's history and how racism has played a part, so I wanted to show a person of color can make a difference working in the local media. In addition, I also wanted to make local African Americans feel comfortable coming to the paper and submitting news. I'm not saying there weren't Black people in the newspaper before, but I wanted people of color to feel they could share their events and community information.
I hope I have helped folks realize the Taylor Press is their paper, not mine; that they can come here anytime and get their message out to the community.
When I was promoted to managing editor, I received a letter in response to my first column, which was about change. It was pretty nasty and degrading towards me and the newspaper. I still carry the missive with me in my computer bag, a reminder that you’re never going to please everybody. When I stepped into the publisher role in 2019, following Richard Stone (another of my mentors), the position proved challenging because it involved more than just journalism. Now, I was responsible not just for stories but the financial health of the paper, its distribution and all employees.
I just looked at the promotion as doing my job, but my brother Kevin often reminds me it's much more than that.
“You are Black history. You have worked too hard to forget that. Keep doing what you do. I love you, li’l bro,” he said in a text. I've never overlooked what he was telling me, but I also never made it my main focus. My goal has always been, and still is, to use my skills to make the newspaper better for readers from every community, and to strive for the best. Yes, there are naysayers who try to deter me, but I work hard to make sure their negativity never gets me down.
I have seen a lot over the last 10 years. Everything from murders, rodeos, tension-filled City Council meetings, shootings, new infrastructure and more. I was blessed to be able to follow the Samsung Austin Semiconductor story from the beginning, including being at the Governor's Mansion for the official announcement. These days I have actually taken on more responsibilities with my new role as the area editor for both the Taylor Press and the Elgin Courier. In addition to my joint-newspaper duties, the 3-on-3 basketball tournament has become an annual event that people look forward to, including myself. In the past decade, I have worked to move up in the ranks.
But I didn’t do it alone. I had a lot of help and encouragement from family, friends, mentors and community members. Thank you for your support.
I'm going to get off my soapbox now and watch the next round of the NCAA tournament, although my bracket has been busted since day one.
“Taylor's Most Wanted, $1,000 reward for capture of Jason Hennington for reporting the truth and keeping it real. Thanks brother. I am thankful for you being here.”
- Taylor Councilman Gerald Anderson
