MediaJustice

The story of MediaJustice is one of evolution, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of equity in the digital age. It began in 2002 with the formation of the Youth Media Council (YMC) in Oakland, California. Born out of a need to challenge the criminalization of youth of color in the media, YMC was a Black-led media accountability coalition that understood early on that media narratives shape public policy. As the digital landscape shifted, so did the organization's vision, recognizing that the fight for racial justice was becoming increasingly intertwined with the fight for digital rights.

In 2009, this vision crystallized into the Center for Media Justice (CMJ). Founded by Malkia Devich-Cyril, Amy Sonnie, and Jen Soriano, CMJ expanded its scope to address the growing threats of media consolidation and the digital divide. For a decade, the organization served as a national hub, uniting grassroots organizations to secure victories in net neutrality, prison phone justice, and platform accountability. In 2019, marking its 10th anniversary, the organization rebranded as MediaJustice. Today, it continues to lead the charge, ensuring that the communication rights of the most under-represented communities are protected and that technology serves liberation rather than extraction.