The 2024 Ethnic Media Conference, Expo, and Awards, held from August 27-28 in Sacramento, was a testament to the vital role of ethnic media in shaping narratives and fostering community connections across California.
Organized by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services, this event brought together journalists from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to celebrate the power of ethnic media and its unique contributions to the state’s journalism landscape.
This year’s conference was more than just a celebration of outstanding journalism; it was a call to action against the rising tide of hate crimes that continue to plague communities across California.
With more than 300 entries, 40 finalists, and 22 winners, the awards ceremony at the Sheraton Grand highlighted the exceptional work of ethnic media outlets that often go unrecognized by the mainstream. The event underscored the indispensable role that these outlets play in giving voice to the voiceless and addressing issues that are too often overlooked.
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The conference kicked off with an opening lunch focused on bridging divides and connecting communities. Regina Brown Wilson, executive director of California Black Media, welcomed attendees with a powerful message about the importance of unity and collaboration in these challenging times.
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond delivered a keynote address emphasizing the critical role ethnic media must play in covering the upcoming 2024 elections and the issues at stake for marginalized communities.
A central highlight of the conference was the Stop the Hate panel, which brought together key figures behind the Stop the Hate initiative—a campaign dedicated to combating hate crimes and fostering solidarity among California’s diverse communities.
Moderated by Professor Jose Luis Benavides of Cal State Northridge, the panel featured influential voices such as Khydeeja Alam, Commissioner of the Commission on Asian Pacific Island American Affairs (CCAPIAA), and Manjusha Kulkarni, founder of Stop AAPI Hate. These leaders discussed the vital collaboration between ethnic media and community-based organizations (CBOs) in sustaining the initiative and making meaningful strides toward a more inclusive and equitable California.
An additional dedicated panel highlighted the alarming rise in hate crimes across various communities, with Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by African Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups. Bonta’s fireside chat with Larry Lee, publisher of the Sacramento Observer Newspaper, delved into the impact of the Stop the Hate initiatives and the importance of spreading love and unity in response to the hate that persists in many communities.
Bonta expressed that while a decrease in hate crimes is a positive development, it is not enough. “We need to look at different segments and different groups, and some are having different experiences,” he said. Bonta highlighted the continuous struggle faced by African Americans, who consistently experience the highest number of hate crimes year after year.
He called for a collective effort from everyday people, nonprofits, advocates, activists, community leaders, and government officials to combat hate and build a future where everyone in California feels they belong.
“Our goal is to have no hate crimes in California, he reiterated. “Everyone belongs here, and no one should be targeted, attacked, or harmed because of who they are, where they’re from, or how they pray. We need to ensure that every individual feels safe and valued, and that requires a collective effort from all of us—government, nonprofits, and community leaders alike.”
Eliana Kaimowitz, the newly appointed director of the Office of Equity at the California Department of Social Services, also spoke at the conference, sharing her vision for ensuring equitable access to services across the state. She emphasized the importance of community engagement and the role of ethnic media in building trust with communities that may be wary of law enforcement or government agencies.
Kaimowitz underscored the significance of collaboration across multiracial, multiethnic, and multireligious groups in designing programs that address hate crimes and promote safety. She acknowledged the challenges faced by nonprofit organizations in accessing state funding but stressed the opportunities that arise from building strong community foundations and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The 2024 Ethnic Media Conference, Expo, and Awards served as a powerful reminder of the critical role that ethnic media plays in California’s social fabric.
This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
