California State Controller Malia M. Cohen opened the awards portion of the daylong 2023 Ethnic Media Expo & Awards, held Aug. 31 in Sacramento. The event was co-hosted by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media.
“I feel like ethnic media is coming in… closing the gap. Giving voice to people who sometimes feel invisible. That is why I serve. And that is why I imagine many of you are here,” Cohen told the audience to a rousing applause.
The first African American to serve in the position of State Controller, Cohen remarked that it “only took 173 years” to get to that point. Remarking on the array of cultures, languages and ethnicities on hand during the event, she said, “At no other point in the history of California have we had this much diversity.”
Much of the day was given to various symposiums aimed at exploring ways to create a more inclusive communication infrastructure in the nation’s most diverse state, along with networking opportunities to connect members of the ethnic media to key decision makers and communication experts.
“I had staff here all day building relationships. That is what is going to continue to elevate us,” said Cohen.
Before leaving the stage, Cohen delivered a powerful message of support to the members of the ethnic media on hand, coming from as far as Imperial County in the south and as far north as Humboldt County, from LA, San Francisco and Fresno and all points in between.
“I am here to celebrate industry leaders, people who are unafraid to stand up and share a story… in English, Tagalog. There is room for everybody and there is a story to be told. You are the people… to tell that story. Tonight we are celebrating you.”
Check out the program guide for more information on the day’s events and click here to the list of winners.
Ethnic Media Services: Ethnic Media Services works to enhance the capacity of ethnic news outlets to inform and engage diverse audiences on broader public issues with the goal of building a more inclusive participatory democracy. Learn more at: ethnicmediaservices.org.
California Black Media: California Black Media is a convener and trusted advocate for more than 30 independent Black-owned-and-operated news publishers, multimedia platforms and broadcasters across California. At the core of our mission is a commitment to “plead our own cause,” a phrase inspired by the words and wisdom of activist, educator, and pioneering journalist Ida B. Wells. Learn more at: cablackmedia.org.
