Hope 25: Celebrating women + inspiring youth

In a few short weeks, Hope Magazine will host Hope 25, our annual event to celebrate, honor, and inspire women—especially Black women—leading in their churches, boardrooms, businesses, and communities. And while this event is a beautiful, diverse celebration of women and their excellence, it’s also one of our publication’s largest fundraisers to support greater equity in journalism.

Today, there are over 6,047 journalists currently employed in the United States according to Zippia. Of that, the most common ethnicity of journalists is white at 66.8 percent, followed by Hispanic or Latino at 12.6 percent, Asian at 9.6 percent, and Black or African American at 6.4 percent. These statistics are staggering for many reasons, especially on the heels of the United States Supreme Court overturning critical affirmative action programs that helped ensure diversity and equity in college admissions that supported campus inclusivity.

Diversity in journalism is important for several reasons, as varying perspectives and life experiences are needed to cultivate an inclusive media landscape. With unique insights that might otherwise be overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream media, the Black voice is powerful and put simply: is needed.

Through journalism, Black voices can help shape a more inclusive and positive public perception and attitudes by changing stereotypes and combating bias through fair reporting. Furthermore, Black journalists often help dismantle harmful narratives, providing more accurate portrayals of Black individuals, families, and communities. Representation in journalism is also critical to media coverage of racial injustice, discrimination, and social inequities. Accurate and inclusive reporting can raise awareness about issues while holding institutions accountable and contributing to positive social change. But beyond the importance of a fair and equitable journalism industry, Black journalists can inspire and engage in incredibly meaningful ways.

Having diverse journalists ensures that the media can effectively engage with diverse audiences and their unique interests. Outlets that employ journalists who share diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences undoubtedly appeal to a more loyal audience and cultivate an experience with more effective communication and ultimately, greater understanding.

Having Black journalists and journalists from other underrepresented backgrounds is crucial for achieving a more inclusive, balanced, and accurate media landscape—and at Hope Magazine we’re on a mission to cultivate the Black journalists of tomorrow. All proceeds from Hope 25 are reinvested into Hope Magazine’s internship program that provides inclusive opportunities for diverse, women, students to gain experience working for a magazine. With the right support and job exposure, these women can enter the media industry more qualified and ready to get to work.

We invite you to join us for Hope 25 on August 4 and 5 at VisionLoft at The Stutz. Tickets, tables, and corporate sponsorships are on sale now at https://www.hope25.com/.

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