In honor of Black History Month, we celebrate the vital contributions of ethnic media in Colorado. Thanks to Stimulus funding and support from the Media and Journalism Sector Partnership, the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange (CEME) is bringing together ethnically owned newspapers and news magazines to strengthen their impact, visibility and long-term sustainability.
Afrik Digest: A Community Center in Print
In a recent interview on Colorado Public Radio, Vera Azuka Idam described her arrival in the U.S. from Nigeria, where she encountered challenges familiar to many immigrants, including navigating the healthcare system. Her experience inspired her to create Afrik Digest, a publication dedicated to providing essential information and fostering community connections for African immigrants in Colorado.
Through diligent research and collaboration with writers in Nigeria, Idam built a platform that highlights the achievements, challenges, and cultural richness of Africans in Colorado. Afrik Digest is more than just a magazine, it’s a lifeline for many African immigrants, offering news on civic engagement, open enrollment periods, and cultural events.
Idam believes that people are more receptive to information from those who share their background and experiences. Through her work, she encourages civic participation and integration, ensuring that African voices are heard in local policy discussions.
The Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange: A United Front
Recognizing the need for collective strength, Afrik Digest joined the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange uniting publishers serving diverse ethnic and immigrant communities. The network includes Enterate Latino, for Spanish-speaking readers in Western Colorado; Asian Avenue, an English-language magazine serving Asian Americans; and the Aurora Sentinel, covering the state’s most diverse city.
CEME fosters collaboration among ethnic-serving publications, helping them pool resources, share advertising opportunities, and address common challenges.
“CEME offers a unique opportunity for corporations and foundations to reach these vital audiences through trusted local ethnic media outlets,” says CEME Director Brittany Winkfield.
“My mission in this role is to empower local media organizations with long-term sustainable resources so that they continue to deliver essential news and information to their communities in culturally relevant ways. By partnering with CEME, you gain access to a powerful network of newsrooms that serve as trusted sources of information within their respective communities,” says Winkfield.
The Broader Landscape of Ethnic Media in Colorado
Beyond Afrik Digest, ethnic publications across Colorado play a critical role in informing and uniting their communities.
- Colorado Chinese News: Keeps Chinese-speaking residents connected with news on cultural events, international affairs, and local issues.
- El Comercio de Colorado: A leading Spanish-language newspaper ensuring Hispanic communities stay informed.
Each of these publications serves as a bridge, connecting immigrant and ethnic populations to crucial resources, cultural heritage, and opportunities for engagement.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future for Ethnic Media
As Black History Month highlights the importance of representation and storytelling, CEME stands as a testament to the power of ethnic media. By amplifying African voices and fostering civic participation, Afrik Digest ensures that African immigrants are not just surviving but thriving in Colorado.
The future of ethnic media in the state looks bright, thanks to the collective efforts of CEME and the resilience of its members. By investing in these publications, we invest in a richer, more inclusive media landscape that truly reflects the diverse voices of Colorado.