tribune
n. countablen. a person who speaks up for the rights of ordinary people. In history, it was also the title of an official in ancient Rome who protected the public.
n. a person who upholds or defends the rights of the people; historically, an official in ancient Rome chosen by the plebeians to protect their interests.
The newspaper acted as a tribune for the local community.
Throughout his political career, he styled himself as a tribune of the working class, fighting for fair wages.
The editorial board viewed the publication not merely as a source of news, but as a fearless tribune dedicated to exposing corruption within the municipal government.
From Middle English tribune, from Old French tribun, tribune, from Latin tribunus (“tribune, tribal leader”), from tribus (“tribe”).
Often used metaphorically with 'of' to indicate the group being represented (e.g., 'tribune of the people').