(BALTIMORE – December 18, 2024) – Chrissy Thornton, President and CEO of Associated Black Charities (ABC), has responded robustly to the media following a recent local media article that inaccurately reported on duplication of a grant approved by the Baltimore City Council for ABC. In her opinion piece, titled “Let’s Leave Healthy Holly in 2024, Shall We?”, Thornton calls attention to the harmful impact of outdated narratives and biased portrayals of Black leadership while highlighting the need for accountability and balance in media coverage.
The article, initially framed as a critical exposé, later unceremoniously published a follow-up piece that revealed that its concerns stemmed from a simple clerical error by the City Council. However, Thornton’s frustration stems not only from the rushed nature of the reporting but also from the article’s failure to recognize ABC’s progress under her leadership. Rather than focusing on the grant’s potential to support Black communities, the article dredged up references to past controversies associated with ABC, undermining the organization’s current achievements.
Thornton also expressed her disappointment with the dismissive way the article characterized her leadership, reducing her professional credentials to “former real estate investor and motivational speaker” while omitting her advanced academic qualifications, leadership roles, and numerous accolades. She sees this as part of a larger pattern of media bias that undervalues the contributions of Black leaders, especially Black women.
“The pervasive pattern of dismissiveness toward Black leaders is no accident—it is intentional,” Thornton said. “Media bias that devalues Black leadership and perpetuates outdated narratives harms not just organizations like ABC, but the communities we serve. It is unacceptable for media platforms to amplify critiques and propaganda against Black leaders, organizations, and efforts without giving equal attention to their achievements and change-making.”
In her response, Thornton issued a call for accountability, condemning the media outlets that amplify these stories without providing fair and balanced coverage. She emphasized that if the media continues to ignore the positive work of Black organizations and leaders, she personally, along with ABC and its allies, would respond accordingly.
Recognizing the critical need for accurate and equitable reporting, Thornton plans to announce a new initiative spearheaded by the Black Leadership Circle (BLC), an auxiliary group powered by ABC. In early 2025, the BLC will convene local and regional media outlets to establish a Coalition for Trustworthy News and Information Sourcing for Black Communities. This initiative will promote collaboration with media outlets, demonstrating a commitment to fair reporting on Black communities while holding others accountable for perpetuating harmful biases.
“This coalition will stand as a resource for amplifying media that genuinely cares about Black causes and advancing narratives that reflect our progress and resilience,” Thornton said. “By building partnerships with trusted outlets, we aim to restore trust and ensure our stories are told with dignity and respect.”
Thornton also used her opinion piece to highlight ABC’s significant strides under her leadership. The organization, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025, has redefined itself as a powerhouse for advocacy and action. In 2024 alone, ABC hosted over 100 events and engagement activities – virtually and in person, advancing initiatives in education, workforce, housing, health equity, and criminal justice reform. Despite these achievements, Thornton noted that some local media outlets too often overlook ABC’s impact in favor of outdated narratives.
“The work ABC is doing today is transformative,” Thornton said. “We refuse to let lazy journalism obscure the incredible progress and impact we’re making. The Healthy Holly references are part of the past and have no relevance to the forward momentum of this organization.”
Thornton’s call for a more responsible media landscape reflects ABC’s broader commitment to equity and justice. As ABC continues its mission to empower Black communities, the organization challenges the media to evolve alongside it, promoting stories of resilience, leadership, and transformation.
To read the full opinion piece, “Let’s Leave Healthy Holly in 2024, Shall We?”, visit https://bit.ly/abchh or follow ABC on social media.
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About Associated Black Charities
Founded in 1985, Associated Black Charities is a racial equity organization that works as an educator, advocate, supporter, and convener to address and eliminate the barriers created by structural racism and to advance long-term solutions that create new opportunities for Black people to thrive.
https://www.associatedblackcharities.org
