About

About Str8 Up Publishing

Str8 Up Publishing offers syndicated columns for Black independent newspapers. We connect editors who need well-written, ready-to-run columns with columnists who have something to say that resonates with Black communities. Any reader, any newspaper can benefit from and appreciate the insights and thoughtful perspectives in our columns. But we started this site, this service with a particular community and newspaper in mind: a Black community in small town America and the newspaper that is stretched thin serving that community.

For editors

We license commentary, writing and reporting in 12 categories, from politics and money to faith, history, and AI. Read a preview of any column, then license just that column, or subscribe to a category or to Full Access. Every column comes as a ready-to-paste Word file, to run in print and online under the writer’s byline.

• Technology: Practical guides to getting the most out of your smartphone—more computing power than we used to land a man on the moon—and a step by step on Artificial Intelligence intended to make sure Black communities are not left behind (again). Much needed but little-known digital services that are particularly helpful for your readers dealing with everything from Social Security’s online portal to preserving their precious family photos.
• Money: Clear explanations of personal finance terms and concepts, with an emphasis on exposing predatory practices that target vulnerable communities. Real-life hacks for leveling up—not the same old advice that sets your readers up to fail.
• Lifestyle: Relatable essays on everyday experiences, cultural observations, and the humor and wisdom found in daily living. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, the experiences and trauma that shape a generation.
• Politics: Thoughtful analysis of national issues affecting our communities. Our columns do not equate tit for tat or both-sidesism with objectivity. They follow a thread all the way to its logical conclusion.

And so much more. Browse the categories or see pricing.

For writers

Our columnists keep ownership of their work and earn a share of every license of their columns. We review every submission against our Writer’s Guidelines, and we don’t change a writer’s words without their OK.

Interested in writing for us? Start with the Writers page.

What we stand for

• Writers’ own voices. Columns are written by their authors, not by AI.
• Straight talk. Strong opinions, sharp criticism, and satire are welcome; hate, threats and falsehoods about real people are not.
• Independent press. We exist to help independent papers fill their pages with columns their readers will want to read.

Editors and general questions: contact@thestr8up.com. Writers: editor@thestr8up.com.

Str8 Up Publishing is a trade name of Golden Touch Publishing, LLC.