Free Press

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A free and equitable press is essential to our survival as a multiracial democracy. As we face increasing threats to our civil rights, Free Press organizers and advocates are working hard to ensure that journalists, policymakers and activists have the tools and knowledge they need to dismantle white supremacy and support our democracy.

Let’s check in on some of the recent highlights of our work that would not have been possible without your commitment to Free Press:

A Racial Reckoning for the Media

During its April consortium meeting, members of the Media 2070 team premiered their documentary, Black in the Newsroom. The film centers on Elizabeth Montgomery, a talented Black journalist who lands her dream job at The Arizona Republic — but ends up fighting a deep-rooted system of harm. Media 2070 Campaign Manager Venneikia Williams and Vice President of Cultural Strategy Collette Watson facilitated the conversation alongside Senior Director of Strategy and Engagement Joseph Torres and Free Press alum Alicia Bell.

Collette and Venneikia also took part in the Donors of Color Network retreat in New Mexico, where they gave a presentation about the Media 2070 project’s fight for media reparations for Black communities. 1619 Project creator Nikole Hannah-Jones and legendary political activist and scholar Dr. Angela Davis served as the keynote speakers.

In addition, Program Manager Diamond Hardiman took part in the panel discussion “Racial Reckonings in the Newsrooms” at the Reva & David Logan Symposium on Investigative Reporting in Berkeley. News Voices Director Vanessa Maria Graber gave a guest lecture at Columbia University on movement journalism and the racial reckoning in the media.

The Next Generation of Media

Diamond discussed media organizing during a virtual presentation at Colorado’s Empower Community High School. The conversation took place in coordination with YAASPA, a youth activist organization represented in Free Press’ Black Voices Working Group.

The Media Power Collaborative, led by Senior Director of Journalism Policy Mike Rispoli and Policy Fellow Sanjay Jolly, hosted a meeting about how the media alternately help and hinder our nation from becoming a true multiracial democracy.

Mike also testified before New Jersey’s Senate Budget Committee in support of Gov. Murphy’s proposal to double the state’s investment in the Civic Info Consortium, which funds innovative local-news projects. During his testimony, Mike highlighted the urgent need for ongoing support to address the state’s local-news crisis. “Study after study has shown that when local news declines or disappears, the effects on our democracy are profound,” he testified. “Fewer people vote, volunteer, run for public office or feel connected to their community.”

Fighting for Digital Safety

Senior Counsel and Director of Digital Justice and Civil Rights Nora Benavidez moderated a discussion with cybersecurity expert Jeff Kosseff about his book The United States of Anonymous, which explores the benefits and harms of anonymous speech.

Nora also moderated a discussion of the documentary The Social Dilemma, which examines the destructive impacts of social-media platforms like Facebook.

As one of Free Press’ most committed activists you are helping to make this — and all of our work — possible. Now, will you take the next step and donate to Free Press to sustain our important organizing work? We rely on donations from our most dedicated members to support the workshops, speaking engagements, and panel discussions that bring visionary organizers and advocates together to move the work forward and help us achieve justice for all.

With gratitude,

Amy Kroin
Editor
freepress.net

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