Now available: Watch the Word in Black virtual event ‘Voting with Purpose’ on demand – click here
Ten of the nation’s leading Black publishers have come together to reimagine the Black press in America. Their first official initiative is the launch of Word in Black, a news collaborative, unlike anything we have seen in the industry. The mission could not be more important: Word in Black frames the narrative and fosters solutions for racial inequities in America.
Local Media Association CEO Nancy Lane, speaking about Word in Black
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What does this mean?
The group will publish stories on important issues such as voter suppression, inequities in education and healthcare, reimagining public safety, and more. They will take a solutions-journalism approach. Nick Charles, a journalist who has been hired by the group, will turn 10 local stories into a national story that will be widely distributed.
Why is this important?
Solutions to racial inequities in America should start with the Black press. This new kind of collaborative makes this possible. It also opens up the door to a whole new way of thinking when it comes to news collaboratives. Currently these partnerships are largely geographically structured for obvious reasons – but why limit ourselves? Might this kind of collaboration lead to lots of other opportunities for our industry and the funders who are increasingly supporting journalism? We certainly think so.
Who is involved?
New York Amsterdam News, The Atlanta Voice, Houston Defender Network, The Washington Informer, The Dallas Weekly, St. Louis American, Michigan Chronicle, The AFRO-American, Seattle Medium, and the Sacramento Observer.
Can others join?
The goal is to quickly expand this effort in 2021. Contact Nick Charles if you are interested.
What is the first topic to be tackled?
The publishers are focused on the impact of COVID on K-12 education in Black communities. Two major funders have come through to provide the resources to produce this kind of journalism.
How can you help?
Click here for General donations. Larger funders or those who wish to fund a specific topic can contact Local Media Association CEO Nancy Lane.