Who We Are
Rooted in Black Voices. Serving the Whole Community.
Our Times Newspaper is a trusted, Black-owned, community-centered publication delivering local reporting, civic information, and cultural coverage across the Evansville region.
For more than four decades, Our Times has served as a vital source of information, representation, and accountability—amplifying Black voices while providing journalism that benefits the entire community. We exist to address gaps in local media coverage, challenge harmful narratives, and ensure residents have access to truthful, ethical reporting that reflects their lived experiences.
What We Do
We produce community-centered journalism that informs civic life, uplifts culture, and strengthens local engagement. Our coverage includes local government and public meetings, education and youth perspectives, Black-owned businesses, arts and culture, and issues impacting quality of life across the region. Through both print and digital platforms, we work to make reliable information accessible, relevant, and rooted in community needs.
Why It Matters
We believe journalism should do more than report—it should serve. By centering Black voices, investing in youth and workforce development, and creating pathways for residents to participate in the news process, Our Times helps build a more informed, connected, and equitable community. Our work strengthens civic trust, supports local voices, and ensures the stories shaping our region are told with care, context, and accountability.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower the Evansville region by delivering truthful information, fostering civic engagement, promoting accountability, and uplifting Black voices. We are committed to ethical journalism, community participation, and expanding access to local information that supports informed decision-making and democratic engagement.
Meet the team working behind the scenes to bring you Our Times. We’re committed to preserving the newspaper’s legacy as the voice of the Black community in the Greater Evansville region.
Adrian Brooks, Sr.
Publisher
Rev. Adrian M. Brooks, Sr. is a longtime faith and community leader in the Evansville region. A native of Henderson, Kentucky, he has served as a minister since 1980 and as pastor of Memorial Baptist Church since 1993. Rev. Brooks holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Southern Indiana and an honorary doctorate from Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary.
Driven by a deep commitment to education, equity, and community empowerment, Rev. Brooks helped establish the Memorial Community Development Corporation in 1994 and later founded the Adrian M. Brooks Sr. Foundation in 2018 to support scholarships for students. In 2022, the Foundation acquired Our Times Newspaper to preserve its legacy and strengthen its role as a trusted, community-centered publication serving the Evansville region. Known for his advocacy for underserved communities, Rev. Brooks continues to lead with faith, service, and a vision for lasting impact.
Rasheedah Ajibade
Editor in Chief
Rasheedah Ajibade is the Editor in Chief of Our Times Newspaper, where she leads the editorial vision and growth of the newsroom. Drawing on more than 15 years of community development experience, she brings strengths in organizational leadership, grant writing, project management, and community engagement to build a trusted, community-centered publication.
She holds a Master of Science in Public Service Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Finance). An Accredited Financial Counselor®, Rasheedah also authors a regular financial education column in Our Times, offering practical tools for everyday financial wellness.
Meet our Support Staff
Columnists
- Aretha Graves
- Rodney Richardson
- McCellus Mays
Junior Columnists
- McKensie Brooks
- Nation Johnson
Volunteers
- Angel Brooks
- Tamika Goines