Black Ink, Bold Truths: The Legacy of Virginia’s Black Press

From street corners to kitchen tables, Black-owned newspapers and media outlets have long been a lifeline for truth, resistance, and community in Virginia. This panel brings together journalists, historians, and cultural leaders to honor the enduring power of the Black press—from the bold reporting of The Richmond Planet to today’s digital storytellers reclaiming narrative power in the face of ongoing erasure. Together, we’ll explore the vital role Black media has played in documenting lynchings, exposing injustice, celebrating triumphs, and preserving Black history when mainstream outlets would not. Drawing on the legacy of figures like John Mitchell Jr. and echoing the words of thinkers like Phyl Garland and W.E.B. Du Bois, this conversation will trace the arc of Black media’s impact—from folklore and griots to journalism and social media.

July 19, 2025
2pm – 4pm
Free, Registration Required

Registration Link