Happy Launch Day, everyone!
My name is Erica L. Ayala. I'm a multimedia sports journalist and the founder of #BlackRosie Media. I can't believe the site launch is tomorrow!
Along with the site will come a new place for you to read my work and the work of other Black women, melanated creators, and co-conspirators in our mission. Over time, I will explore "who" Black Rosie is. For now, I'll say Black Rosie will be the voice for all of us in sports media who want to see more Black women and women of color in the space. We are fans. We are editors. We are broadcasters and more. We are ready to make and take our rightful place in the industry.
Next, let's talk about what #BlackRosie Media will do!
Empower, Elevate, Advocate!
#BlackRosie Media is a community for Black women and melanated creators in sports media.
We are committed to showing up as advocates for the visibility of Black women and creators of color through original content, events, partnerships, and more.
Not only is #BlackRosie Media a community for Black women and melanated creators, but it's also a standalone media conglomerate giving these creators a platform for their work. We are a space for news, game coverage, and creative sports content. Our goal is to create a space online where Black women and other BIPOC creators are celebrated, appreciated, and equitably compensated for their work.
We are committed to showing up as advocates for the visibility of Black women and creators of color through original content, events, partnerships, and more. Our goal is to create a space online where Black women and other BIPOC creators are celebrated, appreciated, and equitably compensated for their work.
Why #BlackRosie Media?
Last July, TSN reporter Kayla Grey tweeted,
"Just know when you see Black women in sports media, you’re watching literal unicorns that have had to endure and overcome so much sh*t behind the scenes. So when we see each other up in here, please understand why we love on each other so hard."
I feel this. However, Black women aren't unicorns. Or, we shouldn't be.
We are strong because we have to be, but we battle every day with the invisible scars from physical, emotional, or psychological trauma. We have our work stolen instead of celebrated. We work hard and are the most educated population in the United States, yet are paid less than nearly every other demographic.
#BlackRosie Media is on a mission to spotlight, empower, and advocate on behalf of Black women and melanated creators in sports media. We will be the go-to media source to find sports news created by BIPOC journalists.
I worked with the rising star Jordan Dabney on a version of #BlackRosie I could use to inspire Black women and other melanated creators in sports media. This version of Rosie has a microphone in her hand, and her arm is flexed.
She represents the power of our words and our voice in sports media. On her collar, you'll notice the image of a Phoenix, a mythical bird said to rise from its ashes. These images embody the plight of Black women in all spaces.
What's next?
Now that we have the first version of our website up and running, we will continue to introduce you to our advisors, continue adding resources and start planning for our first content series.
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Beginning June 1, 2022, we'll focus on the impact of Title IX at 50. Thirty-seven words changed sports and education for girls and women in the United States. However, there is still more to be done. Title IX tells a different story about the impact of the legislation on Black girls and women in this country. We will discuss the impact of the legislation on grassroots sports and the enrollment of Black and Brown women in college athletics.
To close out the year, we will host a #BlackRosie Content Festival on November 2-4, where we showcase the work of select creators in sports media. Each creator will have their work showcased and participate in a live Q&A.
A select group of advisors will provide feedback to the creators about their work after the festival. #BlackRosie Media will also post profiles for each creator on the website for virtual participants and the public to view their portfolios and contact them about opportunities.
Stay in Touch
Now that we're live, we hope you'll subscribe to receive #BlackRosie updates and our latest posts directly to your inbox.
Also, grab your #BlackRosie merch at PWRFWD. Proceeds from the entire collection will go to the #BlackRosie Media mission to empower, amplify, and encourage Black women and melanated creators in sports media. Use promo code BlackRosieLaunch for 20% off your order.
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