This Giving Tuesday, We Say Thank You!
By Leslie Fields-Cruz
Normally during Giving Tuesday, Black Public Media appeals to its community to make a financial contribution to our organization. However, 2021 is different. Instead of asking for your support, we’re taking this opportunity to express our deep appreciation for all who have been so generous to us over the past couple of years, and urge our community to give to our sister organizations in the National Multicultural Alliance.
In recent months, BPM has been the fortunate recipient of several unsolicited gifts and solicited grants of varying amounts. Many of our new donors said they were moved to support us because the events of recent years persuaded them that the underrepresentation of Black media storytellers was doing the nation and the media sector a disservice.
The work of BPM storytellers serves as a fortifying stimulant in the movement to eradicate the centuries-old cancer of systemic racism. The generosity of our donors is allowing BPM to expand and strengthen our 360 Incubator+ and BPMplus programs, to explore new engagement opportunities, and to grow our staff so that our ongoing and new programs have the personnel they need to support the development of Black stories and storytellers.
Don’t get me wrong. BPM always welcomes financial gifts. Our immediate need is just not as dire as it might be for some other organizations. So, this Giving Tuesday, by all means be generous. And if you give to our peer organizations, to tell ’em BPM sent you.
Of course, if you still want to give to BPM, click the Donate button on our website. I assure you, we’ll put your gift to good use.
Before I go, I need to give a shout out to Tamara Shogaolu and the Frontline team behind Un(re)solved, which recently won the IDFA DocLab Award for digital storytelling. The €5,000 cash prize was awarded by a jury that said this about the piece in their statement:
“This year’s selection gives us insight into a world where technology makes stories accessible, a world where simplicity is strength, and a world of authenticity, emancipation, and working towards inclusivity.”
Congrats, Tamara!
