The Sacramento OBSERVER's founders (L-R) Gino Gladden, Dr. William H. Lee, Sr. and John W. Cole, are shown reading the first-ever edition on the steps of the State Capitol in 1962.

If you happened to be passing a small building on the corner of 21st and X streets in Sacramento, California, on November 22, 1962, you may have heard the slow peck of a typewriter, or the chatter of a few dedicated individuals as they stuck stamps to the outside of an unusual 4-page newspaper.

The several events during and before that significant week of Thanksgiving, marked the beginning of a Black publication that was destined to become one of the leading African American newspapers in America - THE SACRAMENTO OBSERVER. The principal architect of the publication's fantastic development and growth, one of the fastest in the history of Black journalism, was Dr. William Hanford Lee, a former successful real estate broker and businessman. In an amazingly short time, and with ever-increasing emphasis on "journalism excellence," Lee, the newspaper's inspiration and guiding light, pushed THE OBSERVER into the charmed circle occupied by only a few of America's top publications.

Indeed, few if any, of this country's Black newspapers can match THE Observer's record of publishing a publication the size of 300 pages and larger; or top the unprecedented recognition given to THE OBSERVER for its outstanding historical, governmental and youth coverage; or equal the consistent publishing leadership of the paper with its supplements and special editions.

Playing major roles in the family-owned Observer's tremendous growth, as a modern-day Black newspaper, has been Dr. Lee's immediate family. Mrs. Kathryn Lee, and sons, Larry, Billy and Roderick (deceased), all have served in dedicated leadership roles at THE OBSERVER. In addition, there has been the hardworking "staff - family of THE OBSERVER." People like Joe Stinson, director of advertising sales; OBSERVER co-founder John Cole, a retired Sacramento businessman; former editors and senior writers Wilbur Miller, Dr. Joe Dear, Rick Warren, Bill Davis, Shaw Ortiz, Mel Assagi, Larry Hicks, Kevan Carter, Mardeio Cannon, Curtis Haynes, Staci Bush, and what publisher Lee has called, "a fine, dedicated staff."

	OBSERVER Publishers Dr. William H. Lee, and Kathryn C. Lee say the key words in the history of THE OBSERVER have been "courage" and "dedication."

Many of the publication's loyal advertisers and readers have also contributed significantly to the paper's growth. The key words in the history of THE OBSERVER has to have been "courage" and "dedication." Most young publications, as did THE OBSERVER, found the early years of establishing readers and advertisers extremely rough. This is doubly so for Black newspapers. Breaking into budgets of major advertisers is not an easy proposition. Sacramento's essentially "quiet" Black community has not helped THE OBSERVER either.

However, the newspaper's advertising has steadily grown. Grown to the point where it has justified an average-size weekly publication of about 80 pages, with a number of additional inserts. Publisher Lee says THE OBSERVER has served the Black community of Sacramento and Northern California "proudly" in its first 40 years. "However, much growth and creative development is still before us," he adds. "We look forward to this new century with anticipation," Dr. Lee says.

"Publishing a newspaper is certainly not one of the easiest tasks in the world, but it has to be one of the most exciting. I continue to solicit support of readers and advertisers in our market to make THE OBSERVER one of the most valuable published journals in America," the publisher continues.

"Good communication is our mission. With untiring dedication, a focus on the changing direction of the industry, and the growing support of others, we will achieve this mission," relates Dr. Lee.

Since THE OBSERVER moved into its new, modern offices in Midtown Sacramento, it has become one of the proud showcases of the African American community.			The first edition of The Sacramento OBSERVER was published Nov. 22, 1962. Setting a standard for journalism excellence, THE OBSERVER has gone on to be recognized as America's premier Black newspaper.

	THE OBSERVER Newspaper picked up unprecedented speed in the mid-'70s, winning numerous awards and developing an energetic and dedicated following. Loyal readers and staffers contributed significantly to the paper's growth.		THE OBSERVER Newspapers has won the John B. Russwurm award for journalism excellence six times. Shown accepting the coveted trophy in 1994 are (L-R) Joe Stinson, Deborah Lewis and Larry Lee.

	THE OBSERVER'S 35th Anniversary special edition, "A Celebration of a Healthy and Vibrant Community," is 240 pages dedicated to the rich history of Sacramento's African American community. OBSERVER readers have called the publication a "must-have."