WANTED: Heartfelt Stocking Stuffers

This Friday, millions of Americans will opt to participate in Black Friday, the nation’s defacto shopping holiday. I admit, I seldom participate in this ritual, but it’s mainly because I’m usually still recovering from the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving Day. Of course, I know plenty of people who look forward to rushing out to snag Black Friday bargains. Who can blame them? These days, we’re all trying to save a buck. Still, every year I wonder how many of the people who enthusiastically participate in Black Friday embrace Giving Tuesday with the same zeal. Heartfelt stocking stuffers to organizations like BPM are not only deeply appreciated, they are sorely needed and, ultimately, will touch a lot more people.

This year has been especially challenging for those of us in the public media space. If you read this blog regularly, you know I’m talking about the 1.1 billion Congress rescinded from public media back in July. That decision snatched $1.8 million from BPM, leaving us only two months to try to fill the gap before the beginning of our 2026 fiscal year. We couldn’t do that on such short notice. So, to remain healthy we’ve had to trim our talent development programs, suspend our Open Call, put our AfroPoP series on hiatus, and release three highly valued and beloved staffers. Thanks to those of you who’ve already donated, our funding gap is beginning to close. But our stocking is still far from full. 

1.8 Million Gifts

Every week, this blog is sent by email to thousands of people across the country. If you’re one of them, and you have yet to participate in our 1.8M Donors campaign, I hope you’ll consider adding BPM to your stocking stuffer list this year. If you have already given, you’ll be notified soon about a few special opportunities that are coming your way. During Thanksgiving, spread the joy by inviting your loved ones to add us to their Giving Tuesday gift list. Gifts as small as $5 will push us closer to our goal. 

Unlike most other holiday gifts, your BPM donation has a profound ripple effect. It helps independent media makers employ others in their community. It allows them to spotlight issues that impact Black people across the globe. And it celebrates the lives and careers of Black people who make the world a better place. 

Giving Tuesday is Dec. 2. Mark your calendar and be among the 1.8 million donors we’re counting on to leave BPM’s stocking bursting at the seams so we can continue to fuel the future of Black stories.