The annual conference shined a light on media reparations, important efforts to archive Black news outlets and featured keynote speaker April Ryan.
By: MMM Editorial Team
The Black press has long been a vital force in the fight for justice, truth, and empowerment. From Freedom’s Journal in 1827 to modern-day platforms advocating for media reparations, Black media has consistently served as a frontline for our communities, shaping narratives and amplifying voices that mainstream outlets often ignore.
At the recent Black Media Futures event, hosted by the Center for Community Media, Media 2070 took the stage alongside legendary journalist April Ryan and other key voices in Black media. This gathering was more than just a conference—it was a crucial moment for discussing reparative journalism and the power of Black media in a space dedicated to our stories, our challenges, and our future.
The Importance of Black Media in Shaping Narrative Power
Black media has historically served as a watchdog, a community builder, and a truth-teller. Whether through Ida B. Wells’ fearless reporting on lynching, Charlotta Bass’ fight against racial discrimination in The California Eagle, or the groundbreaking work of Black Journal in the wake of MLK’s assassination, Black journalists have been at the forefront of our struggles and victories.
Today, that legacy continues. Media 2070’s workshop, Black Narrative Power: Honoring Our Past to Face the Future, delved into how Black media makers can uphold this rich tradition while confronting modern challenges, including corporate media consolidation, newsroom layoffs, and the ongoing attacks on press freedom.
Key Discussions from the Workshop
The session was structured as a deep dive into both the historic and modern contexts of Black media’s role in advocacy and storytelling. Some key moments included:
A historic snapshot showcasing pivotal figures like Ida B. Wells, June Jordan, and Emory Douglas, who used journalism and art to resist oppression.
Clips from Soldiers Without Swords and Black Journal, highlighting how Black media has always been a site of resistance.
A roundtable discussion on whether Black media is the last line of defense for democracy and how reparative journalism can push for media reparations.
An interactive session, featuring BuzzFeed-style quiz, helping participants identify their roles in Black media’s future—whether as artists, organizers, journalists, or truth-tellers.
Here's a quick look at why we need reparative journalism. Anti-Black harm can be seen in American media across the past 100 years.
Facing the Future of Black Media
As we look forward, Black media makers must continue to ask: How do we honor our legacy while adapting to today’s challenges?
This means:
Fighting for ownership of our media platforms.
Connecting past struggles to present realities, ensuring historical context is never lost in news coverage.
Building sustainable media ecosystems that allow Black journalists to thrive without relying on white-dominated media structures.
Pushing for media reparations, demanding equity in funding, representation, and control over our narratives.
The Media 2070 workshop challenged participants to take action—whether by joining the Media 2070 Consortium, downloading the Wellness Toolkit for Media Makers of Color, or continuing these critical conversations in their own communities.
Our Stories, Our Power
Black media has never just been about reporting the news—it’s about shaping reality. It’s about ensuring that our history, our struggles, and our victories are documented accurately and unapologetically. It’s about wielding narrative power to fuel liberation.
As we push forward, we must remember that we stand on the shoulders of giants. From the first Black newspapers to today’s digital platforms advocating for change, our legacy is one of resilience, truth, and transformation.
How will you contribute to the future of Black media? Join the movement, continue the conversation, and take action toward building a media landscape that serves us all.
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