Go to Part I - "The Message"
Commentary by Edrea Davis

PART 2: WE KILLED THE MESSENGER
Assuming the stop snitching movement, as mainstream media reports it, is a hoax; the question would be, why do black people passively embrace and accept any message sent by a mainstream messenger? Too many Black people are quick to jump on the bandwagon without doing research, or asking someone more knowledgeable. Anderson Cooper said it on 60 Minutes, so we agree. Much like back in the day when the master had the flu, WE were sick.

Many Blacks complain about mainstream media defining our values and creating leaders by giving voice to a chosen few. Our ancestors didn’t get mad or complain; they got even. They created black publications as good, or better, than their mainstream counterparts. Black newspapers were packed with thoughtful information aimed to educate, inspire, and empower the black community. These political Bibles were passed through the neighborhood and looked upon as the sacred key to overcoming oppressive conditions. People eagerly awaited their weekly messages from respected writers like Fredrick Douglass, W. E. B. Du Bois, and Ida B. Wells.

Similar to the impact integration had on black schools, once mainstream newspapers included stories related to the black experience, African-Americans abandoned the black press. Unlike other minorities, as soon as blacks are accepted into mainstream they tend to dump their traditional institutions. Don’t get me wrong, we should embrace diversity in mainstream media and applaud the outstanding work of black journalists and broadcasters fighting for fair coverage on the inside. However, the beloved community desperately needs the black press to separate news from propaganda and fact from fiction.

The Black community is plagued by serious social and economic problems. In the midst of a presidential election cycle we must let America know that we refuse to accept propaganda spoon fed to us by mainstream media. Let advertisers know that if they want to send us a message about our issues, do so through OUR media. Let’s put them on notice that we will depend on black publishers and broadcasters who have sacrificed and struggled to exist, to be the gatekeepers of our information.

Knowledge is a commodity. Support the creators of that product. Lift up TV One, BlackAmericaweb, and BlackPressUSA.. Pick up the phone today and buy a subscription to your local black newspaper. If you advertise, include black media in your advertising plan. For those surfing the net and enjoying thought-provoking writers like Faye Anderson, Anderson@large, Lucius Gantt, Dogonvillage.com or Bruce Dixon at Blackagendareport.com, purchase something at their site, donate, or just click on a google ad and give them a penny.

The press is considered the Fourth Estate. They are the eyes and ears of the people, anointed to keep watch on the government. How can people, oppressed for over 400 years, depend on our oppressors to be our eyes and ears?


CBS 60 Minutes transcript
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/19/60minutes/main2704565.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_2704565