Host: Kyron Ryals, Manny Smith, and Camari Ellis


Episode Description:
Join us for a special live recording of Black Voices Matter at Radio Kismet, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ). In this episode, we explore the current state of Black media, its challenges, and its successes. Is Black media a positive force for the community, or does it still have room for growth? Our panel of hosts and guests engage in lively debates, tackling issues around media literacy, journalism standards, and the role of Black creatives in the evolving media landscape.

The conversation also touches on the influence of mainstream media outlets, the rise of digital platforms like The Shade Room, and how these channels are shaping the future of Black representation in news and entertainment. Are platforms like The Shade Room and TMZ evolving into more credible journalistic spaces, or are they fueling misinformation?

Key Discussion Points:

1. Black Media: Good, Bad, or Mid? - Hosts and audience share their opinions on whether Black media is serving the community well, or if it needs to evolve further.
2. The Evolution of The Shade Room – Exploring the platform's potential shift toward serious journalism and its role in Black media today.
3. Is Black Representation Enough? – Does having Black faces in mainstream media make a difference, or are these platforms still catering to dominant, non-Black narratives?
4. Media Literacy and Misinformation – The panel delves into the differences between journalism and general media content, and why media literacy is crucial for Black audiences.
5. The Importance of Supporting Independent Black Creators – Why pooling resources and supporting Black media organizations is essential for future growth.

Quotes to Highlight:

• “There's journalism and there's media. All journalism is media, but not all media is journalism.” - Ernest Owens
• “Representation is a big part of what we advocate for at PABJ, but we also need to recognize mainstream media isn’t always for us.” - Manny Smith
• “We don't need white mainstream media for the Black community. We have homegrown people who can tell our stories.” - Unkknown

Hosts: Camari Ellis & Manny Smith

Guest: Dio, Associate Editor of Community Narratives at Resolve Philly

Episode Summary: In this episode of Black Voices Matter, Camari and Manny are joined by Dio, a leading voice in community-centered journalism. Dio shares her journey into journalism, her work with Resolve Philly, and the importance of bridging the gap between community and local media. The conversation dives into the role of Black journalists in media, the need for narrative empowerment, and the challenges faced by the Black community in controlling their own stories. This lively discussion also touches on the cultural and systemic challenges in newsrooms, the need for more diverse voices, and the role of capitalism in shaping narratives.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Dio and Resolve Philly:
   • Dio’s role at Resolve Philly as the Associate Editor of Community Narratives.
   • Resolve Philly’s mission to bridge the trust divide between local media and the communities they serve through community engagement initiatives.
2. Dio’s Journey to Journalism:
   • Dio’s early disillusionment with journalism and how she rediscovered her passion through community-centered journalism.
   • Her unique title, “Op-Ed Shepherd,” which reflects her role in helping community members tell their stories.
3. The Role of Community Journalism:
   • The concept of “community-powered journalism” as the future of the industry.
   • The challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity while navigating profit-driven media models.
4. Defining "Capital J" Journalism vs. "Lowercase j" Journalism:
   • The distinction between formal, credentialed journalism and community storytelling.
   • The gatekeeping mechanisms that prevent marginalized voices from being heard in traditional media spaces.
5. Narrative Empowerment and Op-Ed Writing:
   • Dio’s work in empowering individuals to tell their own stories through op-eds and first-person narratives.
   • Success stories of community members who have had their voices amplified through Resolve Philly’s partnerships with local newsrooms.
6. Black Representation in Newsrooms:
   • The importance of having Black journalists and editors in positions of power to ensure coverage of Black communities is fair and accurate.
   • The debate over whether more diverse voices in newsrooms automatically leads to better representation for Black communities.
7. Capitalism and Journalism:
   • A deep discussion on how capitalism influences the media and whether it serves or hinders the empowerment of Black voices.
   • Dio’s perspective on the intersection of capitalism and community storytelling, and how the system often perpetuates oppression.

Memorable Quotes:

• “What defines a capital J journalist? And why are there gatekeeping mechanisms that keep community voices out?” — Dio
• “We’re not just talking about journalism. We’re talking about telling our stories unapologetically and freely, without fear of retribution.” — Camari
• “I believe that the landscape of journalism is flattening, and the power to tell stories is moving away from the gatekeepers.” — Dio

Resources Mentioned:

• Resolve Philly – A nonprofit newsroom focused on community engagement and narrative empowerment.
• Op-Ed Project – A project aimed at amplifying underrepresented voices in media.

How to Connect with Dio:

• Email: Dionysia@resolvephilly.org
• Learn more about Dio’s work at Resolve Philly by visiting their website resolvephilly.org.

Hosts: Manny Smith & Camari Ellis

Special Guests:

• Janine Cook - Shopkeeper at Harriet’s Bookshop, Ida’s Bookshop, and Josephine’s Bookshop.
• Kyron Ryals - Filmmaker and Photographer.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Black Creativity:
   • Manny and Camari discuss the evolving role of Black creatives and the intersection of passion and purpose.
   • Camari highlights the importance of nighttime productivity and creative processes, noting that Black voices often emerge from deep, personal reflection.
2. Janine Cook’s Bookshop Journey:
   • Janine shares her journey of establishing Harriet’s Bookshop in Philadelphia, Ida’s Bookshop in New Jersey, and the traveling Josephine’s Bookshop in Paris.
   • The transformative nature of her bookshops, designed to inspire visitors and bring Black literature to life, is discussed.
   • Janine explains her vision of keeping books alive in a time of censorship and control, emphasizing the cultural and social impact of Black literature.
3. The Importance of Storytelling in Black Communities:
   • The significance of passing down stories in Black culture, from oral traditions to modern storytelling through literature and creative mediums.
   • Camari and Kyron share their perspectives on how storytelling shapes Black identity and provides spaces for critical thought and community dialogue.
   • The episode discusses how media, from Ebony and Jet magazines to today's digital platforms, connects Black communities through shared experiences and narratives.
4. Empowering the Next Generation of Creatives:
   • Janine speaks passionately about her work with youth and how her bookshops employ young people, giving them a sense of responsibility and purpose.
   • The conversation delves into the importance of providing opportunities for Black youth, especially in creative fields, and nurturing future leaders.
5. Iconic Black Literature and Legacy:
   • Janine, Camari, and Manny discuss the enduring relevance of classic works like "The Color Purple" and how these stories resonate across generations.
   • The episode highlights Black literary icons such as Toni Morrison and Alice Walker, emphasizing the need to honor and uplift their contributions to the culture.
6. Janine’s Upcoming Projects:
   • Janine hints at her upcoming book, tentatively titled "Shut Up and Read," which explores the power of silence and reflection in a noisy world.
   • She reflects on her personal journey of journaling, creative expression, and the importance of listening to oneself and one's ancestors.

Quotes to Remember:

• “Stories are medicine. I’m a medicine woman, and that’s why I’m sharing these stories.” – Janine Cook
• “We are walking, living, and breathing legacies. And our job is to be, authentically.” – Camari Ellis
• “We are creating history right now, while also writing our future.” – Manny Smith

Resources Mentioned:

• Harriet's Bookshop, Ida’s Bookshop, Josephine’s Bookshop: Bringing Black literature to communities in non-traditional spaces.
• Laureen Carey’s book ‘Lady Sitting’ and upcoming play adaptation.
• Toni Morrison, Alice Walker – Celebrating Black literary giants.
• Bookshop Events: Janine’s work with Will Smith, Jerry Seinfeld, and Michelle Obama.

Follow Black Voices Matter:

Twitter: @BlackVoicesPOD