American Diary: A Personal History of the Black Press gives the author, Enoch Waters, a chance to relate the story of the development of the Black press from the perspective of a man who was an integral part of the history. His position was unique in many of the more significant stages from his start in Philadelphia to work with the Associated Negro Press, a news service in Africa and his long tenure at the Chicago Defender. The reader gives a clear view of the internal workings of these various institutions and a fresh look into the environment in the United States during these periods.

 Waters recounts the history of the Black press from its inception in 1827 to the twentieth century. The writer provides insight into the inner workings of the news organizations. Most importantly, he tells certain facts that are not generally known about the Black community and its key personalities.

The introduction was written by a renown scholar, the late St. Clair Drake.