As the co-creators of the Media 2070 project at Free Press, we believe it’s critical for the philanthropic world to make the kind of historic intervention that Press Forward has committed to. But we simultaneously hold curiosity about how the coalition will directly address the continuous harm the journalism profession has inflicted on Black communities and other communities of color.

When I studied victimology, they didn’t tell us how victimization changes for Black victims – namely, for Black women. They also did not tell us just how difficult it was to not only be believed as a Black woman, but also that there was a higher likelihood of victimization as a Black woman. It is almost as if there are not enough statistics, not enough research, not enough attention paid to Black women.

Black pop culture has always had its inner secrets, invisible writings on the walls and hushed truths. But 2023 brought forth a true crack in the dam that left the Black community drowning in discourse, dissolution and, dare I say, desolation.

Many state legislatures make it intentionally difficult for college students to vote by gerrymandering their districts, creating polling places miles away from campus that can disincentivize casting a ballot.

This article is republished as a part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.

In a society that both rewards and punishes conforming, those who veer outside the norm have the potential to be trendsetters ahead of their time. One such artist is hemlocke springs, a young artist from North Carolina.

Black students are leaving university before graduating at alarming rates…I specialize in Title IX and Title VI for students, faculty and staff as a Civil Rights Investigator. In this role, I see firsthand where the collegiate educational system fails black students on the front lines.

"[I]t is not lost on me how only Black women have been called out for the usage of ableist slurs in their songs while non-Black celebrities continue to use ableist language daily...while sp*z is indeed a slur, it has also very much been a part of AAVE – African American Vernacular English – for years and until recently was not seen as a slur by the able-bodied and neurotypical Black community. Even some disabled and neurodivergent Black people were not aware.

That said, it's important to understand that no matter who the term is being used by, it should still be considered a slur, but in order for the intersection of ableism and racism to be discussed in depth, the platform to speak on it needs to be given to a Black disabled person. This is the only way there can be true education."

Does the ideal of American democracy truly serve Black folks? Do calls to protect and defend democracy fall flat on the ears of Black Americans and youth? And what is Better to Speak’s role as a media platform for Black youth and young adults?

Kési Felton, writer and founder of Better to Speak, reflects in recognition of Democracy Day, in which newsrooms across the country are shining a light on threats to democracy and what action is needed to protect it. Learn more at usdemocracyday.org. 

Being a powerful Black woman isn't always simple. Every day, the world puts us to the test at work, at home, and on the street. We're taught to keep our heads up, wipe our tears away, and keep going when we're hurt, disappointed, or lost. We are pressured by society to be everything to everyone. We pour ourselves out all the time and rarely allow ourselves to receive the care we require.