(BALTIMORE – November 28, 2024) – When you turn on the daily news, it’s often filled with stories that perpetuate a skewed narrative about the Black community. The adage “If it bleeds, it leads” seems to dominate local news coverage, prioritizing sensationalism over substance. While this approach might boost ratings, it often leaves viewers feeling disheartened, asking, Is this all there is? Stories of violence, corruption, and despair seem to overshadow the rich and diverse realities of Black life.
For Baltimore, a predominantly Black city, this narrative can be especially harmful. If we’re not vigilant, we risk internalizing the misconception that nothing good comes from our community. But we know better.
We see Black students excelling and gaining acceptance to prestigious institutions like Morehouse, Spelman, Morgan, Coppin, Bowie, and Harvard. For every tragedy, there are countless triumphs: entrepreneurs launching businesses, individuals shattering glass ceilings, and community members achieving milestones like homeownership, advanced degrees, and CEO appointments.
This is why we must support platforms like BMORENews.com, The Afro, and The Baltimore Times. These outlets, led by Black journalists, are committed to telling the full story of our community—the challenges and the victories, the struggles, and the successes. Unlike mainstream media, they offer a nuanced, credible, and accurate representation of Black life.
Black media outlets do more than report the news—they carry forward the legacy of our ancestors, the trailblazing pioneers of the Black Press who risked everything to tell our truths. Today, we stand on their shoulders, continuing their mission with pride, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to the next generation of Black journalists.
Support the Black Press, including WEAA 88.9 FM at Morgan State University, because our voices matter. Our stories matter. With every article, broadcast, and headline, we are reclaiming the narrative, celebrating our community, and honoring the strength of those who came before us. Together, we uphold the tradition of telling our truth—without hesitation, without apology, and with all the honesty and courage our ancestors instilled in us.