William Alexander Scott II was a visionary entrepreneur and journalist who played a pivotal role in shaping the African American community in Atlanta. In 1928, at the young age of 26, he founded the Atlanta Daily World, a groundbreaking publication that would become the first successful Black-owned daily newspaper in the United States. Prior to this, Scott had already demonstrated his business acumen with the publication of successful business directories.
The Atlanta Daily World served as a powerful platform for Black voices, providing news, commentary, and entertainment to a growing readership. Under Scott's leadership, the newspaper became a cornerstone of Atlanta’s Black community, addressing issues of civil rights, social justice, and economic empowerment.