Black Press Is Dead!
Ben Chavis Bemoans Government Subsidies and DEI Losses, Begins Shame Game; But What About Hip Hop Culture
OP-ED | In a recent interview, Dr. Ben Chavis sounded like a doctor telling a family their loved-one is not long for this life. Somberly, sincerely, Chavis explains how the death of The Black Press Of America is imminent, before pivoting to tiredโthough tried and trueโtropes like the shame game targeting the US Government and Corporations in hopes of inspiring financial responsibility, in short DEI!
After nearly 50 years of government and guilt subsidized funding from everywhere (grants, interest free loans, donations, etc.),The Black Press Of America is facing a harsh reality, no one reads Black papers!
A hyperbolic overgeneralization, to say โno oneโ is extreme but clearly not enough Black People, The Black Press Of Americaโs target audience, are reading or viewing the content to entice advertisers.
The irony, BLACK IS HOT! Black is really on fire, winning at all levels, except The Black Press Of America, why? The Civil Rights generationโs failure to fully embrace the cultural revolution impacting every aspect of humanity, Hip Hop! The Black Press Of America, in lock step with the Black Alphabet Groups (NAAPC, SCLC, AKA, Alpha, etc.), were anti-rap for ions. Remember the 1993 Black Expo?
Tupac Shakur, at the height of his celebrity (years before Deathrow Records), in a profanity laced, powerful dissertation, scolded the Black establishment for failing to support the Hip Hop generation. He made a point to be profane, and warned the audience to expect cussing during his opening remarks, noting organizers said to โwatch my language,โ which Pac followed with an emphatic, “Fuck That!”
WATCH: TUPAC AT BLACK EXPO – 1993 INDIANAPOLIS
Itโs really been โONโ between the generations ever since that weekend in Indiana. Hip Hop did its thing, and the Black Press failed to cover it, spawning new media. There was a time when penetration into Black homes was so high for The Black Press Of America, and the trust in the community ran so deep, there was a stranglehold on our community (#FBA).
Seemingly, every Black family subscribed to Ebony and Jet, then Essence too; plus purchased Black newspapers weekly. As the babies became the parents, the publications lost touch with the people paying the bills, and the internet exploded.
Today, The Black Press Of America lacks an identity, credibility, and access to key stakeholders birthed in Black communities, at a time when everyone around the globe is identifying with Black โ WOW!!