To register for Voting for a purpose, visit wordinblack.com.
By Rev. Dorothy Boulware
Managing Editor
More than 14 million people have already voted in this Presidential Election, as of Oct. 14, many of whom had to stand in line for more than seven hours. They are serious about the future of this country and will not have their rights denied in spite of intentional efforts around the country.
This is the same message Word in Black publishers, a newly formed team of ten, hope to get across to viewers in their first event. Be intentional and vote! Guests from diverse backgrounds will share research, insights and experiences that highlight the importance of voting, not only in this one, but in every election.
Hosted by Chris Bennett, publisher of Seattle Medium and Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO CEO and publisher, the discussion will be moderated by Elinor Tatum, publisher and editor in chief of the New York Amsterdam News and Larry Lee, publisher of the Sacramento Observer.
“We can’t wait for the world to meet Word in Black on Oct. 20,” said Local Media Association CEO Nancy Lane. “This group represents 10 of our nation’s leading Black publishers who are taking a major step forward to be the national voice for solutions when it comes to racial inequalities in America. We are thrilled to serve as the manager of this collaborative and also as the financial sponsor of this event.”
This group is considered a news collaborative unlike any other in the industry. By its own declaration, the focus is on solutions ‘by us and for us’ regarding racial inequalities in America.”
Leading the event are Emmy award-winning producers, creatives Nzinga Christine Blake and Erik Niewiarowski, and fueling the technology is broadcast and streaming viewer engagement partner, Megaphone TV.
Panelists include: Leigh Chapman, director, Voting Rights Program; Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., president and CEO, NNPA; Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Wes Moore, CEO of Robin Hood; Bakari T. Sellers, attorney, Strom Law Firm, political commentator, CNN; Susan Smith Richardson, CEO, Center for Public Integrity; Rev. Nolan Williams Jr., musicologist, theologian, songwriter and producer;
The discussion will begin at 6 p.m. ET, Oct. 20 on WordinBlack.com.
As Dr. Donald M. Suggs, publisher of the St. Louis American, reminds the group, “This is a moment in time,” and it has become their mantra.
