Press freedom and racism are often discussed separately, but they are deeply connected. In recent days, many people have shared images of the Obamas in response to a racist image posted on the President’s social media platform. That public reaction matters.
But racism is not limited to offensive images, language, or moments of viral outrage. Those moments are visible—and therefore easier to condemn.
Racism also operates through systems—often quiet, procedural, and easy to overlook—that determine whose harm is ignored, whose voices are dismissed, and who must fight simply to be seen or believed.
Why Press Freedom and Racism Cannot Be Separated
Journalist Georgia Fort writes about being arrested while doing her job in Minneapolis. Like Don Lemon and other journalists who have been detained while reporting, Fort describes what it means to be targeted while attempting to document events of public concern.
In an opinion piece for the New York Times, she recounts journalists being pepper-sprayed and shot at while covering protests. More troubling still, she explains what happened after—how her attempts to raise concerns were ignored, and how she ultimately had to file a Freedom of Information Act request just to access footage of police violence she personally witnessed.
That matters.
Because when journalists are obstructed or silenced, the public loses power. This is where press freedom and racism intersect most clearly. And when accountability is delayed or denied, harm becomes normalized.
If racist imagery or shocking moments disturbed you this past week, this deserves your attention too—if not more.
Freedom of the press isn’t abstract. Press freedom and racism are deeply connected, because the ability to tell the truth—and to be protected while doing so—is not applied equally.
Please read and share Georgia Fort’s piece.
Awareness isn’t passive—it’s a responsibility.