Leading Black organizations raise alarms about disinformation tactics aimed at Black voters, urging media and influencers to combat these misleading narratives.
As November’s critical elections approach, leading Black organizations are sounding the alarm about severe disinformation campaigns targeting Black voters. A coalition spearheaded by Onyx Impact, a nonprofit dedicated to tackling disinformation, has issued a letter urging Black media and influencers to recognize and address these misleading tactics.
Onyx Impact’s letter highlights the increasing threat of disinformation aimed specifically at Black communities. The letter, signed by prominent figures such as Judith Browne Dianis of the Advancement Project and Maurice Mitchell of the Working Families Party, emphasizes the need for Black media and platforms to be equipped with resources to counteract false information.
“During a historic election year where critical issues that will determine the future of our communities are on the ballot, including the economy, healthcare, voting rights, and more, it is essential that Black media and Black Gateway Influencers and Platforms have the resources and tools necessary to stem the rising tide of disinformation and provide their growing audiences with even more accurate information,” the letter states.
Earlier this year, Onyx Impact released a report revealing that over 40 million Black Americans may have been exposed to disinformation about the elections. This disinformation often included messages about civic disengagement, broken promises by President Biden, and attempts to create divisions within the community. The report also noted that far-right activists, including some within the Black community, were significant contributors to the spread of false narratives.
Esosa Osa, founder of Onyx Impact, explained the motivations behind these campaigns. “It’s because of the massive political power of Black communities that we see efforts to try to stem their participation, to try to sow division in our communities, to try to directly push back on our power,” she told The Hill. Osa stressed that while Black individuals are not more susceptible to disinformation, they are targeted by highly sophisticated campaigns.
The letter from Onyx Impact also points out that using disinformation to manipulate Black voters is not a new tactic. Historical examples include efforts during Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement to mislead and intimidate Black voters. Despite changes in methods and technologies, the underlying intent remains the same: to discourage and dissuade Black voters from exercising their power at the ballot box.
To combat these disinformation campaigns, the letter outlines four key strategies: amplifying the voices of trusted Black messengers, encouraging audiences to verify sources, being cautious of divisive content, and investing in fact-checking resources. Additionally, Osa emphasizes the role of individuals in combating disinformation. She encourages voters to become trusted sources of accurate information within their own communities and to engage in discussions with family and friends about the tactics used to spread false information.
“We all need to be, especially right now in the cycle, very cautious of overly negative emotional content online, that’s primarily where we’re likely to see false and misleading narratives,” Osa advised. She also highlighted the importance of addressing individuals who might be falling into disinformation “rabbit holes” with empathy and support.
The organizers’ call to action underscores the urgent need for vigilance and proactive measures as the election approaches. By amplifying accurate information and supporting trusted sources, the Black community can work together to combat the impact of disinformation and ensure that their voices are heard and respected in the upcoming elections.
As the landscape of political communication continues to evolve, these efforts are crucial in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and protecting the power of Black voters. The message is clear: staying informed and vigilant is essential to overcoming the challenges posed by sophisticated disinformation campaigns.
