The Eclipse began publication on September 16, 1985, and was designed to succeed the Black Explosion after it changed sponsorship. Published by Maryland Media Inc. initially biweekly, its publication frequency varied, ultimately becoming a monthly paper. The last issue was published May 2013.
The development of The Eclipse was somewhat controversial. Many members of the Black community at UMD felt that the name change was not necessary and continued to support publication of the Black Explosion when the Nyumburu Cultural Center took over responsibility for this paper in 1985. Throughout the life of The Eclipse, there were repeated calls in the paper for the unification of the two publications, but this never occurred.
An editorial in the initial issue of The Eclipse set forth the paper’s purpose and shed light on the selection of its title:
“Like the solar eclipse, our paper will attempt to present
stories in a different light. Our viewpoints will differ
from those of the Diamondback and Mitzpeh and reflect
the uniqueness and beauty of black culture on our campus.”
