The San Antonio Observer Earns “Legacy Business” Recognition from the City of San Antonio, Office of Historic Preservation
For three decades, the San Antonio Observer has done what many outlets would not: speak truth to power. This October the City of San Antonio, Office of Historic Preservation, officially recognized the SA Observer as a “Legacy Business”, honoring its achievements in San Antonio since 1995. The recognition highlights that “The San Antonio Observer contributes to our city’s prosperity and heritage. San Antonio’s culture and economy depends on businesses like yours.”
The Historic Preservation Office’s Legacy Business Program is to make sure businesses in San Antonio are recognized and celebrated as an iconic part of the city’s culture.
The San Antonio Observer, founded in 1995, by the late Hussien Ali, emerged during a time when the Black community’s perspectives were often disregarded. Ali also owned The San Antonio Register Newspaper, San Antonio’s first Black newspaper (last published in 2016).
Both publications were modeled after early pioneers of the Black Press like the Freedom’s Journal, founded in 1827. Hussien Ali’s mission was to give San Antonio’s African-American community an authentic voice and a publication that would challenge injustice, demand accountability, and document Black excellence.
Judge Rangel, reflecting on the Observer’s decades of service to the community, offered words that captured the paper’s impact— “Congratulations to the Observer Group on receiving Legacy Business recognition from the City of San Antonio. For decades, you have given us a voice, a sense of identity, and a deep source of civic pride. Your dedication to educating and empowering others has enriched countless lives — including my own family’s. Thank you for your commitment and meaningful contributions to our entire community.”
In a media landscape increasingly driven by algorithms and corporate interests, the San Antonio Observer remains independently owned, unapologetically rooted in community, and fiercely devoted to transparency and truth.
Commissioner Tommy Calvert shared words of appreciation for The San Antonio Observer, stating—“It is not only befitting that the City of San Antonio recognize the San Antonio Observer as a Legacy Business, but they should also be recognized as the voice of the people,” said Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert.
He added, “A voice with a long-documented history of taking on the challenges and issues that the mainstream media has historically shied away from. The Observer is necessary and meaningful. I thank you; we thank you for always being in the forefront, we thank you for your observation and we thank you for your endurance.”
As the SA Observer celebrated 30 years of service this year, our mission still remains: to chronicle the stories that shape the experience in San Antonio and beyond, while inspiring the next generation of civic-minded leaders, journalists, and storytellers.
Thirty years ago, my father started the San Antonio Observer with the intent of giving the African-American community a true voice at a time when our voices were going unheard. Although my father is no longer here, his voice, legacy, and most importantly, his platform for change remain for the people. I imagine he is very proud.
Waseem Ali, son of Founder Hussein Ali and CEO/Owner of The SA Observer
That legacy continues. Ghaliyah Ali, 20, Hussien Ali’s granddaughter, serves as a weekly columnist for the SA Observer. Covering the criminal justice system and carrying forward the Ali’s commitment and tradition.
“We thank the City of San Antonio and the Office of Historic Preservation for this meaningful recognition. We extend our deepest gratitude to every reader and supporter who has walked beside us over the past 30 years. This recognition is as much yours as it is ours — a reflection of a community that believes in its own voice,” Waseem added.
The San Antonio Observer remains steadfast in its mission to serve. We will continue chronicling Black History, while informing and uplifting the people of San Antonio for generations to come.
