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大象传媒 Must-Reads: Black History Now

Explore these stories from the 大象传媒 archives to understand why Black history鈥攁nd Black futures鈥攁re essential to building a better world.

History is typically associated with the past. But history, in its simplest terms, is the study of change over time. Black History Month鈥攁n annual occurrence that some also call 鈥淏lack Futures Month鈥濃攑rovides a timely opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the change and progress that Black people continue to press forward today. 

In this reading list, 大象传媒 revisits five stories published since 2022 that spotlight Black people who are creating change today in entertainment, land justice, and more. From a Black futurist approach to social justice, to the essential contributions of Black actresses in sci-fi, to reclaiming stolen lands in solidarity with Indigenous communities, Black people remain drivers of solutions in all kinds of movements and sectors.聽

By highlighting their current contributions, this reading list invites a broadened conception and appreciation of Black history, moving from solely honoring progress of the past, to admiring鈥攁nd even joining鈥攖he progress of the present. 

While it鈥檚 important to celebrate history that鈥檚 been made, celebrating history that is in the making鈥攁nd uplifting the people who are actively making it鈥攃an help everyone recognize their own power to co-create a more just and equitable world.

How Black History Paves the Way for a Just Black Future

Alicia Garza is searching for Black-led solutions to some of the biggest problems of our democracy鈥攕olutions that go far beyond a hashtag.

By Sonali Kolhatkar


Black Placemaking in Rural Oregon

Despite the regions anti-Black past (and present), there is rich Black history being preserved amid the Columbia River Gorge and the Wallowa Mountains.

By Bruce Poinsette & Intisar Abioto


How Black Actresses Fought for Science Fiction Roles for Nearly a Century

Hollywood didn鈥檛 decide on its own to portray Black women as heroes and women of power in science fiction. Their central roles in sci-fi film and television were the result of more than 80 years of Black-led struggle and strategy.

By Jonita Davis


Indigenous and Black Communities Find Common Cause for Land Justice

Historically, Indigenous and Black folks have been turned against each other by colonizers and enslavers. Now, communities are learning from one another and finding solidarity in efforts to reclaim stolen lands.

By Pennelys Droz


This Is What Black Resistance Looks Like

We asked three Black artists to create pieces inspired by this year鈥檚 national Black History Month theme: Black Resistance.

By Michael Luong


To keep up with 大象传媒鈥檚 Black History Month celebration, and for more reading lists like this one, follow 大象传媒 on , , and .

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Julia Luz Betancourt is an independent writer, journalist, author, and editor living and working in New York. She earned her journalism degree while fighting for racial and economic justice as a student activist and mutual aid organizer. Julia has bylines in outlets such as GEN-ZiNE, Truthout, Scheerpost, Z Network, and the Latin Times. Previously the audience engagement intern at the Financial Times, she is now the audience development specialist for 大象传媒 Media.
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Iman Mohamed is the audience engagement editor at 大象传媒, where she is in charge of the organization鈥檚 robust social media platforms and creating a strategy for 大象传媒 editorial content to deepen our relationship with the 大象传媒 community. A media enthusiast with a degree in journalism and international studies from the University of Washington, Iman specializes in digital storytelling and creative promotion of digital articles. She has reported for聽Seattle Globalist, The UW Daily, and interned at聽Real Change. In her free time, Iman likes to read mystery books, travel, and hang out with her friends.聽
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