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Reflecting on Nia, the fifth day of Kwanzaa, one can’t escape the commitment to purpose-driven journalism. As a Black journalist working for a Black media outlet, it is not lost on me how much of the media landscape works in service of interests outside of our communities.
The stakes are always high for Black people. Kirsten West Savali, iOne Digital’s vice president of content, previously wrote that our work must be rooted “in the tradition of the Black journalists that have come before—such as Ida B. Wells-Barnett, who taught us through her work at the Memphis Free Speech and beyond, to be both righteous and rigorous.”
West Savali continued on to cite the amazing work of Freedom’s Journal and the Woman’s Era, the Chicago Defender, the New York Amsterdam News, the Los Angeles Sentinel and Negro World.
Black media plays an important role in our communities
Black outlets have an important duty and commitment to Black audiences. Recent reporting from the Chicago-based The TRiiBE, put a necessary spotlight on blogs targeting Black audiences that spread misinformation. According to the report, several of these outlets also amplified false narratives about criminal justice reforms echoing Republican talking points claiming a purge-like future was coming to Illinois.
Earlier this year, the Kansas City Defender challenged local media and police over reports of missing Black women. The Kansas City Defender was the only outlet to showcase and uplift community concerns.
West Virginia changemaker Crystal Good, narrative disruptor and founder of Black By God, stresses the importance of investing in Black outlets to provide vital coverage and amplification for the communities they support. The more Black newsmakers and change agents we have, the better off all our communities will be.
Regardless of whether Twitter and social media platforms get the stories right, Black-led journalism has a commitment to our communities. And at a time when disinformation and misinformation are running rampant, it is important that we have strong sources committed to sharing good verifiable information. The outrage clicks model creates more harm to our communities.
We need people prioritizing our stories that center our struggles and our triumphs, not just chasing clicks and traffic with divisive content disregarding actual facts. This also means, where possible, making op-ed pages available to those leaders and practitioners with direct lived experience about the issues that matter most.
It’s on us to support Black media. Here are several outlets and media initiatives that could use our support.
BLACK BY GOD | The West Virginian
Congratulations to our Publisher/Founder @cgoodwoman https://t.co/cAyiiOabYF
— BBG | The West Virginian (@BlackByGodWV) December 28, 2022
Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University
We have a lot planned for 2023. There is much work to be done to protect our democracy! Support HBCU Journalism with an End-of-Year Gift – https://t.co/c7Q0eMqwJk pic.twitter.com/o1K1EQYYYh
— Center for Journalism & Democracy (@C4JDHowardU) December 30, 2022
Kansas City Defender
In the spirit of the radical #BlackPress, @KCDefender hosts weekly political education sessions to discuss topics related to #BlackLiberation and justice, and they organize to support the Black community in #KCMO through direct action and #MutualAid https://t.co/Nn4qQ9OtqF 3/
— T’Sey-Haye M. Preaster (@RISunshine) December 20, 2022
MEDIA 2070
@Media2070 is proud to announce the release of our short documentary #BlackInTheNewsroom, currently being viewed at film festivals and gatherings across the country.
Visit https://t.co/akJ99MDNfx to check out the schedule and request your screening now— pic.twitter.com/trSVEaovzC
— Media 2070: Media Reparations Project (@Media2070) August 31, 2022
MLK 50
Today MLK50 celebrates the Kwanzaa Principle of Purpose, Nia. We honor our purpose by providing tools, hosting conversations and reporting stories that our community can use to fight for liberation.
— MLK50: Justice Through Journalism (@MLK50Memphis) December 30, 2022
Scalawag
Its here! Scalawag’s top stories of 2022!https://t.co/lzgzM2EefO pic.twitter.com/sWzjMkvkxB
— Scalawag (@scalawagmag) December 27, 2022
The Pivot Fund
How POC-led news outlets in Georgia informed BIPOC communities this midterm election. #journalism #communities #GArunoff
Read all about it in our newsletter: https://t.co/J2jFukMABB pic.twitter.com/XmkhXAS9aV
— The Pivot Fund (@PivotFund) December 9, 2022
TRiiBE
A major shakeup is underway in the Chicago City Council.
Can such an unprecedented shift attract young Black Chicagoans — and others disillusioned with politics — to vote in the February 2023 municipal election?https://t.co/gllyclNkSa
— The TRiiBE (@TheTRiiBE) December 29, 2022
WURD
Give the gift of membership this holiday season! When you purchase a forWURD Family Membership, you’re providing your family with a wealth of knowledge, resources, exclusive access to events & more! Don’t wait—Visit https://t.co/EPzXqIYWRW. pic.twitter.com/NanOTz0Quy
— WURD Radio (@onwurd) December 15, 2022
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