Thread by @wendi_c_thomas

What matters more than @MemphisMagazine’s slightly better yet still insufficient apology following the #CaricatureAssassination of @tamisawyer?

The answers to these queries.

A thread. @MLK50Memphis @MABJTN @NAACP @MsPackyetti

In Memphis Magazine’s 42 years, how many black publishers, managing editors, editors, art directors and full-time staff writers have there been? How does the staff’s racial makeup compare to the makeup of the city in your publication’s name? (Memphis is more than 63% black.)

(This is kind of a trick question, because Memphis magazine has this many black journalists on staff.)

How many black candidates have made the final 3 in the last 10 positions the magazine has filled (I.e. the Rooney Rule)? How does the racial makeup of your applicant pool compare to the makeup of the city in your publication’s name?

What is the racial make up of the vendors the magazine uses? How does the racial makeup of your vendor pool compare to the makeup of the city in your publication’s name?

What are the recruitment tactics the magazine employs to attract black applicants and black contributors?

List the last five cover articles written by a black writer. If there are not five, please list as many as you can.

List the last five illustrations done by black illustrators. If there are not five, please list as many as you can.

What professional development has the magazine offered its staff in the last 10 years on how to accurately cover a majority black city?

How, specifically, will you change editorial practices/policies so that this will not happen again? Who will be responsible for those changes? When will they occur? Will you make those transparent?

Will you continue to use the services of illustrator Chris Ellis?

Will you promise not to ask black residents to provide unpaid emotional labor to help fix what ails you?

Will the entire Memphis magazine staff - editorial and business side - receive training/counseling to understand exactly why this cover was racist and how to avoid similar errors? If so, when and what training?

Just some suggestions from a local journalist who was deeply hurt by the choices made by this “progressive” publication.

With progressives like that, who needs the far right, amirite?

As I always say: When we ask the wrong questions, we celebrate the wrong things.

Don’t just tell me you’re sorry, @MemphisMagazine. SHOW ME. #caricatureassassination

And read this, by @deadlinedd. When others don’t see us, @MLK50Memphis does.

"It’s a distorted image that’s designed to objectify and humiliate," said Dr. Kali Gross, co-author of an upcoming book about black women's history.

mlk50.com/when-they-dont…

Trust black women. Quote black women. In @deadlinedd story:

When @LewisPants and I started talking about bringing this training to Memphis months ago, we had no idea it would be so timely.

How do you address racism, sexism and oppression in the journalism industry? Come find out.

The entire staff of @MemphisMagazine is invited.

Also invited: Any media maker and media consumers.

Space is limited. Scholarships available. Learn more here. facebook.com/events/2907916…