Robin Roberts, Abby Phillip, Taylor Rooks, Janai Norman, Jeannette Reyes, Maria Taylor, Malika and Kendra Andrews, Mona Kosar Abdi, Maria Taylor and Kayla Nicole Brown. This is just a short list of the Black women in the field of journalism who have inspired me to continue on this path today!
The field of journalism is one of elitism and a structure that props certain aspects of our lives including the reporters and creators on screen—analysts who give us the everyday news that affects our world. But what happens when these change-makers who move the needle within our society are scrutinized? I bring you… the Black woman journalist.
Where digestibility meets harm
As Black people, the art of performing is a quality many of us hold… especially in the workplace environment. But the art of acting through your words on camera and behind the scenes is a different aspect many journalists hold. But when a producer is in your ear saying X, Y, and Z while the general public is casting the first stone at you for just doing your job and living your life. As a Black woman in the public space, the career and life I am trying to build for myself can feel daunting.
I felt this way, especially after seeing the vitriol one of my most beloved on-air personalities, Kayla Brown better known as Kayla Nicole has been discussed on social media platforms and in the public eye over personal matters. Brown has been someone I’ve looked up to for a very long time as she has monetized on her rise in the public eye and continued with her path of hosting and creating on-air work while still enjoying personal time.
Black women journalists are #people
As a Black woman and journalism major… the words being thrown around her name and the narrative being spread was sadly one that I have seen before. Black women are being dehumanized on multiple ends for being themselves and ignoring the noise surrounding them to protect their peace and continue working.
From what political affiliation they hold, who their partner is, and what words they are forced to say on camera whether it be bringing up a negative story or discussing a topic, all journalists face the backlash from the scenarios they are discussing. But when you are dealing with the aspect of not being seen as a normal person but an object (both racially and through your job) by always being “on” where is the relief?
Malika Andrews was forced to get a restraining order over a stalker and is constantly scrutinized over her partner and topics her company forces her to discuss, Robin Roberts is the pinnacle of all things journalism and still faces backlash to this day over rumors spread about her, and don’t get me started on the sexualization of Black women like Taylor Rooks that have been scrutinized for how they look on camera.
The frustration of being seen but not heard is very real and I hope after seeing the discussion surrounding Brown and how she’s been treated, we will be more inclined as a society to not take everything we see at face value and support those who are being harmed in the name of a non-existent narrative.
The viewer’s job
Some communities are starting to make a change. The National Association of Black Journalists does panels every year discussing Black women and the struggles they face inside the communications industry. The previous NABJ president was also a Black woman who fought for equality within the journalism space.
But what can as an active consumer of media do when you are taking in content showcased to you by a Black newscaster?
- Become an active participant! The average journalist who works at a station is forced to showcase a narrative given by higher-ups. This does not mean they agree with the content they are sharing with you but doing what is asked of them. If you feel something is wrong FACT CHECK EVERYTHING, send your concerns to the stations they work at and people will see what the viewers and feeling and start to correct this.
- Stop policing Black journalists. From the clothes they wear to the annunciation of the words they say, the over analyzation of the way Black journalists face is daunting and can feel like no
- We are people too. As journalists, seeing someone through the screen as they give you information can make them feel like they are almost like a product or unreal to you. But every day as the journalists step on the screen, they do step off and go home to their real lives. Have some compassion and realize that they face the same struggles as you
As I wrap up this small rant, this topic has heavily weighed on my heart. Not just on a fan level but a personal one, I hope to one day experience the grace other communities allow for their favorite public figures to feel in the name of just being a human. While we all make mistakes within this world, grace in times of struggle is needed and no one in this life is perfect.
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