Reclaiming Our Narrative: Independent Media and the Road to the Midterms

Overview

The fight over who shapes the narrative is already underway.

As communities navigate rising costs, political uncertainty, and a rapidly changing media landscape, independent Black media and community creators are essential to reaching people with information that is credible, relevant, and grounded in their lived experiences.

With the Black press approaching its 200th anniversary in 2027, this is a defining moment to ask: Who gets to tell our stories? Who shapes the conversation? And are the trusted voices closest to our communities equipped to meet this moment?

Join URL Media, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) and the Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) on Thursday, September 17, during Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference week for a high-impact breakfast reception bringing together leaders across media, policy, advocacy, business, philanthropy, and civic life.

The conversation, moderated by Sara Lomax, President of URL Media and CEO and President of WURD Radio, Philadelphia’s only Black talk radio station, will explore:

• How can trusted Black media and community creators put affordability and everyday concerns at the center of the political conversation?
• How do we cut through misinformation and political noise with credible, community-rooted information?
• How can campaigns, policymakers, and institutions move beyond transactional outreach to genuinely listen?
• What will it take to turn trusted engagement into meaningful civic action?

This is not business as usual. Join us to reclaim our narrative, elevate trusted messengers, and ensure the voices closest to our communities help shape what comes next.

Panelists:

Errin Haines, President, NABJ

Joy Reid, Host, The Joy Reid Show

Don Lemon, Host, The Don Lemon Show

Justin Pearson, Tennessee State Representative

Lauren Williams, Co-Founder/CEO, Capital B 

Alexis McGill Johnson, President, Planned Parenthood

Please note: This event will be photographed and recorded. By attending, you grant URL Media permission to use your image and likeness in future editorial, promotional, marketing, and related materials across print and digital platforms.