April 13, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lynette Maselli
304.415.8099
press@markhuntforcongress.com

BEACON DIGEST ENDORSES HUNT FOR CONGRESS

West Virginias only African American newspaper, the Beacon Digest, announced today
that it is endorsing Mark Hunt for Congress.
Editor and Publisher, Stephen Starks, says Mark has the experience, dedication and
temperament we need representing us in Washington.
Ive known Mark for many years and I know that as our Congressman, he will work for
the betterment of all West Virginians, says Starks. During his years of public service,
Mark has always worked hard for his constituents and fought for the values we hold dear.
Im confident that as our Congressman, Mark will always put the people he represents
first. We need a Congressman with his dedication and experience in Washington.
Hunt says he is truly honored by this endorsement and will always fight for West
Virginians and the issues we are all passionate about.
As your Congressman, I will fight for the quality of healthcare, improving educational
programs so our children can compete in an ever growing global economy, and taking
care of our seniors so they dont have to choose between buying food or medications,
says Hunt. I will work hard to stimulate job growth, and make sure that coal continues to
keep the lights on.
Benjamin Starks founded the Beacon Journal in Charleston in 1957. Early in the 21st
century, its successor, the West Virginia Beacon Digest, is West Virginias only surviving
African-American newspaper. Starks ran the newspaper business from his home with the
help of his family. He published the Beacon Journal every other month and distributed it

free of charge. In its first year, circulation was approximately 500. Funds for operation
were solicited from local businesses.
After Starks became ill in 1983, his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen R. and Deborah S.
Starks, continued publication under the new name. The Beacon Digest is now a weekly
publication with a circulation of 30,000 subscribers throughout West Virginia and across
the nation.

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