The Unfiltered Truth: Why Black Media is More Vital Now Than Ever
Artist Damon Brown (left) and President of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State Stephanie Johnson-Toliver (right) stand in the Black Media Matters Studio during its launch in October 2023.
In a media landscape often cluttered with noise, misinformation, and homogenized narratives, the role of independent Black media has never been more critical. For generations, Black-owned press has served as a lifeline—a trusted source of information, a platform for authentic storytelling, and a powerful instrument for social justice. Today, as communities face renewed challenges and a constant battle for equitable representation, outlets like Converge Media are proving that Black media isn't just an alternative; it's an essential pillar of our democracy and community well-being.
A Legacy of Reclaiming the Narrative
The importance of Black media is rooted in a long history of necessity. From the Freedom's Journal in the 1800s to the Chicago Defender during the Great Migration, Black newspapers were born out of a need to counter harmful stereotypes and provide a voice for a community systematically silenced by mainstream outlets.
Today, that legacy continues with a renewed sense of urgency. In an era where narratives are constantly contested and systemic racism remains a pervasive force, Black media provides something mainstream platforms often cannot: authentic, unfiltered representation. It creates a space for Black people to tell their own stories in their own voices, highlighting the triumphs and complexities of the Black experience that are frequently overlooked.
This isn't just about feel-good stories; it's about power. Ownership matters. When media is owned and operated by the communities it serves, the lens shifts. Stories are told with nuance, cultural context, and a deep sense of responsibility. It combats the monolithic portrayal of Black identity and ensures that the issues mattering most to the community, from healthcare disparities to economic empowerment, remain front and center.
Converge Media: A Blueprint for Community-First Journalism
Nowhere is this vital role more evident than in the work of Converge Media. Based in Seattle and founded by Central District natives in 2017, Converge has emerged as an Emmy Award-winning powerhouse dedicated to creating culturally relevant content for Black and urban audiences across the Pacific Northwest.
Converge’s mission is clear and direct: to provide genuine representation, focus on critical community issues, and ensure equitable access to information from leadership and government. Converge didn't just talk about this mission; they lived it during some of the most turbulent moments in recent history.
During the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd, Converge Media became an indispensable resource not just for Seattle's Black community, but for the entire region and beyond. Co-founder Omari Salisbury, known as "The Big O," provided hours of raw, on-the-ground livestream coverage. In a chaotic information environment, Converge acted as an honest broker, offering a direct line of sight into events as they unfolded, earning a level of community trust that legacy media could not replicate.
Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, their platforms became a crucial hub for disseminating vital health information and resources directly to vulnerable populations, filling a gap left by traditional news sources.
From left to right, Trae Holiday, Curtis Delgardo II, Erik Kalligraphy, Besa Gordon, Takiyah “T-DUB” Ward, and Deaunte Damper pose in the Black Media Matters Studio earlier this year. (Photo: Jordan Somers)
Programming with Purpose: Uplifting Every Voice
Converge Media's impact extends far beyond breaking news. Their slate of programming is designed to inform, inspire, and connect the community on multiple levels.
"The Big O Show": Hosted by The Big O, this show is an evolution of Converge’s critical pandemic-era coverage. It serves as a platform for hard-hitting interviews with city officials like the Mayor and Police Chief, holding power accountable while also uplifting community stories and providing the information people need to navigate their daily lives.
"Back2Besa": Airing three times a week on FOX 13, host Besa Gordon takes viewers on a journey through the Pacific Northwest, highlighting impactful stories, celebrating Black joy, and showcasing Black culture, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship across the region.
"The Day With Trae": Hosted by Emmy-winner Trae Holiday, this daily program focuses on engaging civic conversation, celebrating Black excellence, and diving deep into topics like health, wellness, and local change-makers.
“We Live In Color”: Host Deaunte Damper sheds light on the crossroads between the Black and queer communities in the Pacific Northwest for in-studio interviews and street-level storytelling.
“Almost The Weekend!”: Hosts Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgardo II, aka Cuddy, keep the people informed on upcoming events while highlighting incredible artists, entertainers, and organizers across the Northwest.
“Art Of The Matter”: Artist and host Takiyah “T-DUB” Ward spotlights local creatives, uplifting the power of creativity as a tool for statement and social change.
Through documentaries, short films, podcasts, and street-level reporting, the Converge team is constantly everywhere like air, ensuring no part of the community's story goes untold.
More Than Media: A Community Lifeline
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Black media is that its role extends beyond the screen. Converge Media operates not just as a news outlet, but as a dedicated community partner.
A prime example is their ongoing "Support Black Business" campaign. Recognizing the immense economic hurdles Black entrepreneurs face, especially during economic downturns, Converge actively uses its platform to spotlight and uplift these businesses, driving real-world economic impact.
For many, Converge is seen as family and a trusted entity that will always call it as they see it with honesty and integrity. In a world where trust in media is splintering, this deep-rooted community connection is their most valuable asset.
The Call to Action: Support Independent Black Media
The work being done by Converge Media and similar outlets across the country is not easy. Converge faces systemic funding disparities and the constant challenge of operating in a media ecosystem designed for much larger players. Yet, the work is indispensable.
Supporting independent Black media is not a charitable act, but an investment in a more truthful, equitable, and informed society. It is an acknowledgement that Black voices matter, Black stories matter, and the platforms that amplify them are worth protecting and empowering.
Now more than ever, we need media that reflects the reality of our world in all its complexity. We need media that fights for justice, celebrates culture, and builds community. We need Black media. Let us recognize its value, consume its content, and invest in its future.
Did you enjoy this blog post? Then consider donating to Converge and supporting our mission here.
