The cops killed Ma’Khia Bryant, Andrew Brown, Daunte Wright and George Floyd, but anti-Black media helped create the conditions for these murders. And this is nothing new.
Anti-Black racism has been part of our media system’s DNA since colonial times. Media organizations were complicit in the slave trade and profited off of chattel slavery; racist journalism has led to countless lynchings; Southern broadcast stations aired vociferous opposition to integration; and, in the 21st century, many media organizations continue to prop up police and spread harmful narratives about Black people who have been murdered by cops.
We need newsrooms that care for Black communities. To avoid parroting police narratives about Black people. And to actively trust and support Black journalists. We need newsrooms to do this for the future of our communities and the future of journalism alike.
Tell local, regional and national newspapers to sign our pledge to dismantle anti-Black racism in the media and care for Black communities and journalists.
We’ll send your signature to local, regional and national newspapers across the country along with the pledge.