The Soil That Nourishes Our Growth: Effects of Media Delegitimization on Black Women Activists

Abstract: Black women activists are scrutinized and discredited in the press which contributes to the withdrawal of support for their work and the deterioration of their well-being. This is particularly salient for Patrisse Cullors, the most public facing organizer connected to Black Lives Matter (BLM). Although Black women activists understand how sexism and racism contribute to their delegitimization, and though there is burgeoning research on journalism’s role in the demoralization of BLM, research that engages with methods centering Black women’s experiences is lacking. By using Black feminism as the main lens through which to consider Black women activists’ treatment, an analysis of scripted media tropes and news articles revealed four truths: 1) Black women activists are not allowed to thrive; 2) The media harms Black women activists in two ways; 3) False narratives don’t die; and 4) Optics are valued over truth. Some discoveries can be applied to Black women, Black activists who are not women, and activists who are not Black and not women. Further research is needed to assess how other intersections impact Black women activists, and future studies regarding trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming activists is necessary to determine media effects on the most targeted in activist communities.