On February 24, the Media Action Grassroots Network (MAG-Net) and Champaign Urbana Citizens for Peace and Justice hosted the Media Justice Salon, In #Formation: Black Media, Black Culture, Black Lives. The depiction of race by mainstream newspapers, radio and TV have fueled racial bias in the United States, yet media has also been a tool for Black liberation – from the first Black-owned newspaper in 1872 Freedom’s Journal to the “Twitter fingers” of today’s Black millennials.
Our February Media Justice Salon explored the historical and present day relationship of media and Black communities, specifically discussing the history of media activism, the challenges faced in diversifying our nation’s newsrooms, and 21st century media and millennial activism outside of mainstream journalism. Through the Salon dialogue we dug deep on – the need for a just media system so that we can fight and win for racial justice, the need for narrative platforms that make room to tell our own stories and to speak for ourselves, and the cultural shifts we need to achieve and sustain Black life and liberation.
If you missed In #Formation, make sure to check out the presentation recording and make sure to learn more about our featured speakers:
- Aaron Ammons, Champaign Urbana Citizens for Peace and Justice
- Brandi Collins, Color of Change
- Shanelle Matthews, Blackbird and Black Lives Matter
- Dr. Stacey Patton, Morgan State University
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Previously known as Digital Dialogues, Media Justice Salon’s are interactive webinars that highlight top line media and communication policy issues that impact our communities. Media Justice Salons are a great educational opportunity for network member organizations to learn more about critical media issues, connect with leaders in the field, and to find out how to take action.
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Want to learn more about how your organization can join an upcoming Media Justice Salon? Please contact Angella Bellota, Membership Organizer: [email protected]
