Thread by @mandyvandeven

ICYMI: you can watch the 2020 Journalism Funders Gathering videos here: mediaimpactfunders.org/watch-the-2020…

#Jfunders

What you won't see, however, was a phenomenal conversation about the #EquityFirst report findings on transforming journalism philanthropy led by @jennychoinews and @lmariahtrusty.

But you can read the report and call to action here: medium.com/the-engaged-jo…

During the conversation, @lmariahtrusty asked about what had been influencing our thinking on the intersection of journalism with race, equity, and inclusion — an invitation I appreciated as someone who sits at the nexus of racial justice movements, journalism, and philanthropy.

And what came to mind is this: trust is a race, equity, and inclusion issue.

Recently, there has been a lot of handwringing within journalism and philanthropy over the face that the public trust in journalism is eroding. Often, this is presented as a new or emerging issue.

But the assumption that lack of trust in media is a new or emerging issue ignores the reality that there are many communities that have never had the luxury of trusting the mainstream, corporate controlled, white-led news outlets.

People of color, women, working class folks...

As the industry has become more representative of the population of the country, bringing more folks from marginalized groups into newsrooms, WHITE people’s trust in journalism has decreased — and that is what makes the problem of trust that people are grappling with today "new."

At the heart of this issue are the ways that racism and white supremacy are actually the root cause of the lack of trust — whether because people of color were/are being excluded and maligned... or because when people of color speak, white people often don't believe them.

And if we believe this is the case, then any approach that philanthropy or journalism takes to remedy the lack of trust in media must have racial justice at the center or it will fail.

Yet, the landscape of journalism funding and the state of journalism initiatives intended to remedy trust most often overlook the influence of racism and white supremacy.

Fortunately, there are many who can provide support, guidance, and direction on what is needed.

First and foremost, resource and build relationships with folks like @PressOn_South @Media2070 @MediaJustice @BorealisPhil @jennychoinews @lmariahtrusty @aliciacbell @ManoliaLive @fulloffaith22 @TMPowell who can guide strategies and approaches — existing and emerging.

Also, journalism funders can learn with and from philanthropy that resources racial justice movements with the intention to work in strategic alignment.

Because at the end of the day, both are working toward transformations that are linked to the same root cause.

Some of the racial justice funders that can be a beacon are @CHayling @RJGrantmakers @crojasphd @LetiPeguero @alvinstarks @AmakaAgbo @rajasvini @changecrusader @Aleyamma17 @lavGncf (who else, y'all?)

Every action begins with a conversation. Start now.