Janis L. Ware, the visionary Publisher of The Atlanta Voice, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). This distinguished honor recognizes her extraordinary leadership in journalism and her steadfast commitment to uplifting the voices of the African American community.A native of Atlanta, Janis has dedicated over four decades of her life to community development, with a special focus on affordable housing. Her work has transformed neighborhoods, particularly in the Mechanicsville area of Atlanta, where she has led the development of over 1,800 affordable housing units. As one of the first African American women to graduate from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, Janis broke barriers. She became a powerful role model for future generations of leaders in both business and civic engagement.In 1991, following her father’s passing, Janis took over as Publisher of The Atlanta Voice, a newspaper that has served the Atlanta community since 1966. Under her guidance, the publication underwent a successful digital transformation, expanding its reach and establishing itself as a multimedia platform that continues to provide critical news, culture, and community stories to a diverse audience. Her leadership has made The Atlanta Voice an indispensable resource for the African American community.Beyond her work at The Atlanta Voice, Janis serves as the Executive Director of SUMMECH Development Corporation, a position she’s held since 1991. Through SUMMECH, she has been instrumental in urban revitalization and affordable housing efforts, which have improved the lives of countless families. She is regarded as one of Atlanta’s foremost pioneers in the affordable housing sector, dedicated to making homeownership a reality for many.Through her involvement with organizations such as House ATL, the National Newspaper Publishers Association, and the Atlanta Housing Authority, she has shaped policies that promote growth and opportunity for underserved communities.Her remarkable journey is also one of love and partnership, as it was through the NNPA that Janis met her best friend and life partner, James Alfred Washington, the former publisher of Dallas Weekly and President Emeritus of The Atlanta Voice. Together, they have made lasting contributions to both the African American press and the broader community.The NNPA Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting tribute to Janis’ tireless work in shaping both the African American press and community development. Throughout her career, she has mentored countless young journalists, championed diversity in media, and ensured that The Atlanta Voice remains a trusted and influential platform for African American voices.In a heartfelt statement, Janis said, “I’m deeply humbled and honored to receive this recognition. It is a testament to the hard work of my incredible team and the power of local journalism to effect change. I am proud to continue the legacy of those who fought for our right to be heard.”Janis will be presented with the NNPA Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 NNPA Annual Convention, where Black media leaders and publishers will gather to honor her contributions. This award not only highlights her personal achievements but also underscores the critical role that Black-owned media outlets continue to play in shaping public discourse and advocating for social justice.Join us in celebrating Janis L. Ware—a true force of change, empowerment, and leadership for Atlanta and beyond.The post Atlanta Voice publisher Janis L. Ware honored with 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.