“We are so mad at you, right now.” -The Black-Owned KC Media
An Open Letter to Organizations Guilty of Exploiting Black-Owned Media
To Whom it may Concern: Stop Asking for FREE Press from Black-Owned Media
Dear Organizations Guilty of Exploiting Black-Owned Media,
It’s time to address a longstanding issue that has been swept under the rug for far too long. As the publishers of Black Kansas City Magazine, we’ve grown tired of organizations approaching us for free press, ads, and exposure to the black community. We’ve had enough, and it’s time to call it out.
For decades, we’ve quietly endured this disrespectful practice. We’ve responded to countless requests for freebies, only to be met with silence or excuses. Black History Month rolls around, and suddenly everyone wants to tap into our audience for their DEI initiatives or “black people” news. But when it comes to supporting black-owned media with their advertising dollars, they conveniently forget.
Let’s be clear:
Black History Month isn’t just a tokenistic gesture to us; we actually live it every day of the year —it’s a reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition, respect, and equality. While these organizations spend millions on mainstream media, even hundreds on power lunches with their colleagues, they expect us to provide our services for free.
Slavery is over –correct?
Well, we’re done playing that game.
Here are 5-blunt and un-apologetic reasons why supporting black-owned media is crucial:
- Authenticity: We bring authentic representation and perspectives that mainstream media often fails to deliver. Our voices matter, and they deserve fair compensation.
- Economic Empowerment: By supporting us financially, you’re not just helping our business; you’re investing in the economic empowerment of the black community as a whole.
- Community Connection: We’re deeply ingrained in our community, providing a platform for crucial conversations and engagement. Dismissing our value undermines the very community you claim to support.
- Diversity Promotion: Your actions speak louder than words. Supporting black-owned media demonstrates a genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion, rather than just empty rhetoric.
- Sustainability: Investing in us now ensures our sustainability in the long run. By compensating us fairly, you’re contributing to a future where black voices are not only heard but respected and valued.
We’ve had enough of being undervalued and underappreciated.
Please Visit Our Media Kit: https://blackkansascitymag.com/media-kit-memberships-promos
Also, The BLACK KC APP is available worldwide on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.black.app.kansasmag
From now on, we won’t hesitate to call out organizations and executives who approach us with these requests. It’s time to hold them accountable for their actions and demand the respect and compensation we deserve.
To those organizations guilty of exploiting black-owned media: consider this your wake-up call. We won’t tolerate being treated as second-class citizens in our own industry any longer. It’s time to put your money where your mouth is and support black-owned media the same way you support mainstream outlets.
Furthermore, it’s time to address some specific organizations directly. We’re calling out:
- S.C.OR.E.
- NASCAR
- Walmart
- Crux KC
- Kansas University
- KC Source Link
- JCCC (Johnson County Community College)
- Missouri School of Journalism
- University of Missouri’s Media & Diversity Center
- Park University
- The Lewis Rice Law Firm, “Next Level” Diversity and Inclusion Programs
- Mahomies Foundation
- Nelson-Atkins Museum and,
- Other Not Mentioned.
You know who you are.
We’ve received your requests for free exposure time and time again, and it’s disappointing to see institutions that claim to champion diversity and equity fail to recognize the value of black-owned media. This call-out isn’t meant to shame but to spark change. It’s time to rethink your approach and start investing in the very communities you aim to serve. We’re ready to engage in meaningful partnerships, but it starts with acknowledging our worth and compensating us fairly for our services.
We’re not asking for special treatment—we’re demanding fairness and equality. And if you can’t respect that, then don’t bother reaching out to us. We refuse to be complicit in our own exploitation any longer.
Sincerely,
Kareem Jackson,
Publisher, Black Kansas City Magazine, CEO, KA&CO
