Introduction
In a world flooded with statements, pledges, and curated campaigns, it’s time to ask: who’s really representing Black communities? Because visibility without accountability is just performance. This post contrasts the hollow gestures of institutions with the lived truth of Black-led platforms and movements. It’s not just critique, it’s clarity.
The Performance of Representation
- Corporate Statements vs. Community Investment
Every February, companies roll out Black History Month graphics and events. But 53% of consumers believe these statements must be backed by real action, or they’re exploitative. Many corporations downsize DEI programs while spotlighting Black employees for one month. - Political Promises vs. Policy Impact
Politicians invoke Black pain during campaigns, but policy rarely follows. The CBCF’s Executive Order Tracker shows how recent directives have rolled back civil rights protections, education equity, and economic opportunity for Black communities. Even well-intentioned promises often lack measurable equity outcomes. - Media Coverage vs. Media Ownership
Black trauma is headline-worthy, but Black joy, innovation, and leadership are rarely centered. Only 3% of full-power TV stations are Black-owned. Without ownership, our stories are filtered, flattened, and often distorted.
A good example of this would be Stephen A. Smith and Van Jones that represent ESPN and CNN. These guys get on TV and perform for their masters stating that they represent Black People when their words tell us different. Stephen A who is loud and a obvious Republican talks out of both sides of his mouth. He lies about Black representation and how things affect him but at the same time supports Racist like Charlie Kirk and all the nasty things he has to say about Black People especially Black Women. This is not condoning Murder but why should Black People feel sorry for someone that was so divisive. Smith leads a failing network that I am shocked is still around. That network has problems for 25yrs running that has yet to be resolved but is standing on the a trickster like Smith that claims he wants to run for President as a Democrat. The funny thing about this is the Democratic Party is meeting with him!! I am finding this worse than appalling because one this should be condemned but not enough Black People are calling this out. This man makes a living off destroying Black Lives. This is performance but dangerous at the same time.
Van Jones who has had a failed show on CNN and was fired from the Obama Administration for ethics issues is another person that is performing for his Master. This man had the Gaul to get on CNN to tell the world that he got a text from Charlie Kirk and that he was a good man. When you think about this, what is good about a man that speaks about your culture as horrible as this individual did? Yes, we can have our difference but being an Original King, you don’t dare let someone insult you like that and you kiss their butt to say you talked to them. This man said on Anderson Coolper 360 that he was told by his team the day this man was killed that he reached out to him. Why would he do this and why would CNN let him on the air to say that? That is personal but has no place in todays society. Keep that to yourself. This performance was sad and hurtful but was supposed to represent the sentiment of Black People. Wrong, it does not and there is no place in the world for anyone to shoot and kill another person but I do not think the Black Community was accepting of that. Everything the 2 of them say in the media is never going to be favorable for Black People and the world needs to know that.
Authentic Advocacy and Legacy Work
- Black-Led Platforms Speak Truth
From AMIBW The Magazine to The Clarkson Collective, these platforms don’t just amplify, they dignify. They tell stories rooted in faith, resilience, and generational healing. Michelle Clarkson’s work bridges sacred and civic, reminding us that storytelling is sacred. - Community Organizers vs. Institutional Gatekeepers
Real change comes from those who live the struggle. Black-led nonprofits like Movement for Black Lives, BlackPAC, and ABFE’s Black Funds Network are building coalitions, not careers off our pain. - Storytelling as Sacred Practice
Michelle Clarkson’s prophetic voice reminds us: healing begins with truth, and transformation requires courage. Her work is a masterclass in narrative activism.
Truth Telling about our Past, Present and Future is very important. When you are used to a standard you must live by that standard. Censorship is a nonstarter.
The Danger of Misrepresentation
- Outsiders dilute our demands.
- Institutions tokenize our presence.
- Media distorts our image, shaping public perception and policy in harmful ways.
When they speak for us, they silence us. We do not need other people speaking for us. We are more than capable of speaking for ourselves. We can do this because it is lived not a perception.
We Are the Authors
Black people are not a monolith, and we are not waiting for permission to tell our stories. We are the architects of our own legacy. We will no longer accept representation that is hollow, exploitative, or disconnected from our lived truth.
If you’re not building with us, you’re building against us.
Call to Action
- Support Black-owned media. Share, subscribe, and fund platforms that honor our truth.
- Hold institutions accountable. Ask where their money goes after February.
- Elevate authentic voices. Follow, repost, and amplify Black-led movements.
- Tell your story. Whether through podcast, blog, or pulpit, your truth matters.
Want to contribute to AMIBW The Magazine or share your story with The Clarkson Collective? Reach out. Let’s build legacy together.
- PowerToFly: Corporate BHM Initiatives
- Forbes: BHM 2025 Analysis
- ACCP: Racial Justice in Business
- Brookings: Equity Impact Assessment
- CBCF Executive Order Tracker
- Pew Research: Black Media Ownership
- Transformative Justice Coalition
- Wikipedia: Representation in Media
- ABFE: Black Funds Advocacy
- Bonterra: Black-Led Nonprofits
- M4BL: Movement for Black Lives
- Grassroots Leadership Academy: Storytelling in Activism
- Commons Library: Storytelling for Social Change
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