In the words of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." This powerful quote sets the stage for a critical conversation we need to have about the silence from black-owned media and black journalists on national networks regarding black-on-black violence.
During the recent Juneteenth celebrations, we witnessed two tragic mass shootings – one in Oakland and one in Texas. While the Oakland shooting fortunately did not result in any fatalities, the Texas incident claimed the lives of two women. These events should have sparked widespread outrage and coverage, yet there was a deafening silence from many in the media.
As a community, we often rely on our media to highlight issues that affect us the most. However, when it comes to black-on-black violence, especially during significant events like Juneteenth, this coverage is conspicuously absent. This silence is not just a lack of reporting; it's a failure to acknowledge the deep-rooted issues that plague our communities.
I want to give credit where it's due. Channels like Logic and Reason, Black Conservative Perspective with Greg Forman, and Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey (featuring Sharon Reed) addressed these shootings, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table. They highlighted the tragedies and called for accountability. Even Benjamin Crump shared a heartfelt video of a husband who lost his wife in the Texas shooting.
However, prominent figures like Roland Martin, Joy Reid, and Al Sharpton, who have substantial platforms and influence, remained silent. This silence is particularly disappointing because these are individuals we look to for leadership on black issues. Roland Martin, for instance, has built an independent network dedicated to black issues, yet chose to remain silent on this critical matter.
The lack of coverage and discussion on these shootings is not just an oversight; it reflects a deeper issue within our media. It raises questions about what stories are deemed newsworthy and why certain narratives are prioritized over others. We must ask ourselves why the deaths of two black women at a Juneteenth event did not receive the attention they deserved.
This episode of the Broken Traditions podcast is a call to action. We need to hold our media accountable and demand that they cover all issues affecting our community, not just those that fit a particular narrative. We must break the silence and address the real problems if we are to find solutions and create lasting change.
Join me as we delve into this critical conversation. Let's challenge the status quo, demand better from our media, and work together to address the issues that truly matter.
Listen to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio.