As we step into a new year, Black Public Media reflects on both the triumphs and challenges of public media and looks ahead with renewed commitment to amplifying stories that celebrate and examine the fullness of Black life and history. No doubt, 2025 brings new opportunities and challenges.

Public media has always been a critical platform for elevating marginalized voices. It’s written into the charter. However, as we step into 2025, we can’t ignore the cries to defund public media or the attempts to erase our cultural history. We must also acknowledge the neverending competition for attention in a digital-first world. At Black Public Media, we see these challenges as opportunities. We know that diverse narratives not only enrich our culture but also play a crucial role in fostering empathy, understanding and systemic change. 

Heeding Our Mission

In 2025, we remain steadfast in our mission to support visionary creators whose work shapes the cultural landscape and challenges outdated narratives. Whether through our 360 Incubator+ for documentary media makers, the BPMplus program expanding the boundaries of Black storytelling in XR and immersive tech, or our beloved AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange documentary series, we are committed to serving marginalized voices, and distributing Black stories to audiences wherever they are — in their homes, theaters, museums, and virtual spaces.

This year holds untapped potential to build new partnerships and strengthen our community of supporters. We’re grateful to our collaborators — filmmakers, funders, and advocates — who help us carry this work forward. Together, we will continue to showcase stories that remind us of where we’ve been and inspire us to envision where we can go.

Here’s to a year of creation, connection, and impact. Thank you for joining us on this journey. We look forward to sharing what’s ahead.

Happy New Year from all of us at Black Public Media!