Frances "Toni" Draper

A compelling speech reflecting on the experience of growing up in a prominent African American media family during the transformative Civil Rights era. It delves into the challenges and triumphs of navigating a world divided by racial inequality while being deeply connected to the fight for justice. The speech highlights lessons learned from a family dedicated to amplifying Black voices, personal encounters with iconic figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, and the impact of their leadership. It also recounts firsthand experiences of racism, resilience, and the enduring legacy of using media as a tool for change and empowerment.

This speech introduces *Prayer and Pen*, a moving collection of over 50 original prayers by Carl Murphy, the acclaimed publisher of the AFRO-American newspaper. Curated by his granddaughter, Frances Murphy Draper, the current AFRO publisher, this book reveals Murphy's unwavering reliance on prayer as his weapon of choice during times of struggle, chaos, and trial. Set to release in January 2025, *Prayer and Pen* offers a journey through Carl Murphy’s authentic conversations with God as he navigated defining moments like Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, the Great Depression, and two world wars. Attendees will reflect on the perseverance and strength captured in these prayers, gaining insights into the solace Murphy found in consistent prayer. Draper’s speech emphasizes how Murphy’s legacy as a cultural hero, family patriarch, and wise businessman continues to inspire, highlighting lessons of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of prayer that remain relevant today.