The San Diego Monitor Newspaper was founded by the late Willie L. Morrow, an iconic entrepreneur, inventor, publisher, and visionary who understood the power of media to shape minds and move communities. Known nationally for his innovations in Black hair care — including internationally leading the charge to commerce the famous Afro pick comb and the “California Curl” — Morrow was also deeply committed to changing narratives and empowering African Americans through knowledge and truth.

 

In the mid-1980s, Morrow recognized that San Diego’s Black community needed more than just representation — it needed a voice of its own. In 1986, he launched The San Diego Monitor Newspaper to be that voice: bold, unapologetic, and community-centered. What began in the heart of Southeastern San Diego soon became a respected publication that chronicled the local and national issues shaping the Black experience — from politics and education to culture, business, and civil rights.

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Under Morrow’s leadership, the Monitor was not just a newspaper; it was a movement. It gave rise to civic conversations, connected neighborhoods, and held local institutions accountable. His vision built a bridge between the grassroots and the government, and his legacy continues to inspire a new generation of journalists, advocates, and storytellers.

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In 1988, The San Diego Monitor Newspaper was officially adjudicated by the County of San Diego, granting it the authority to publish legal notices and serve as a paper of public record. That designation marked a turning point — transforming it from a passionate community publication into an established institution within the region’s media landscape.

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Today, nearly four decades later, the Monitor continues to stand on the foundation Willie L. Morrow built — one rooted in integrity, advocacy, and empowerment. We tell the stories others overlook. We highlight progress, challenge injustice, and uplift the people who make San Diego strong.

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Our mission remains steadfast: to inform, inspire, and ignite change — preserving the legacy of our founder while pushing forward into a new era of community-driven journalism.