WHITE AND NON BLACK JOURNALISTS: here are some things you can do to uplift Black voices in your reporting, support the many Black journalists who will not be given as big a voice in mainstream media right now, and ensure that you are not erasing Black history in your journalism:

1. Firstly, if you are not Black, we don’t need your op-eds on police brutality, the current uprisings, or Black death. Save those thoughts for your social media and step aside to allow Black writers to get paid to share their thoughts on issues affecting their community.

2. When reporting on this moment, LANGUAGE MATTERS. Too many mainstream outlets have failed to accurately represent the brutal reality of George Floyd’s death & have resorted to “impartial” language that masks the intentional violence inflicted on countless Black people.

Do not be complicit. This language is violent and disrespectful. It perpetuates lies and causes harm. It masks the truth. It is NOT journalistic integrity, it is compliance with white supremacy.

3. This is a big one: often, mainstream media repurposes stories that were originally published in independent POC run publications or first posted on a Black person’s social media. If your journalism was at all inspired by another Black person, BE UPFRONT about this in your work

You can do this in a lot of ways. When reporting your story, mention the NAME and publication of the Black person who brought this issue to your attention. Link to their article or social media post. When you share your work, thank them publicly and link to their socials again.

4. Circulate Black writer’s work. Constantly. Go out of your way to share thoughtful reporting by Black writers on your social media. Hyperlink to their stories in your article.

5. When doing research for your story about a Black issue, read reporting by Black writers to inform yourself on the topic. Especially stories that were published in independent publications like Bitch Media and Wear Your Voice. Link those stories in your piece.

6. I recognize that journalism is a top-down industry. If you are a writer and feel that your editor is misrepresenting this moment by the way they changed the title of your work or edited the tone of your story, CONFRONT THEM.

Speak up loudly if your boss, your editor, or another non-Black writer you know is misrepresenting Black issues in any way. Start those uncomfortable and very necessary conversations. Do not sit in silence and be complicit in the historical whitewashing of this moment.

7. Finally, if you do not feel prepared to report on this moment, own it. If you are able, step back and find a different (Black) writer who is more knowledgeable and invested to write the story that you were assigned. There are plenty who are available.

This is not at all a comprehensive list, and I know that I am only one voice among many who are exhausted by the way that mainstream media is documenting this moment. Other Black people and journalists, please share other tips and information that you have!!

Thank you everyone for sharing!! If you are a Black writer who needs work (or know of one) please share their name and bio here: