We Have Not because We Participate Not!!

For a voice in the media, networking and building relationships are essential. At Columbia College, the Community Media Workshop sponsored an event entitled "Making Media Connections." This annual event was held for two days and was well attended by many people except African Americans.

There is an old adage, "You have not because You ask not" well if you take that phrase and replace a couple of words you have the exact situation of African Americans in regards to media. "We have not because We participate not!" Since 2002, I have attended several forums regarding media and most of the African American participation/attendance came from the African American's who were invited as panelists which is totally disgusting.


Where were the African American voices speaking up for the concerns of African Americans? Organizations representing Hispanic concerns attended the event and questioned the direction of the media. The issue of immigration was mentioned at every turn.

Something has to be done to address apathy in the African American community. The powers that be will assume that African Americans don't care and overlook African American concerns when African Americans don't show themselves to be an active citizenry as opposed to consumers. A voice in and through the media is a good place to start. Attending forums that inform about the business of media and the power of its use are essential to the community. It's like not voting when so many people died for the right to vote.

We have not because We participate not !!