Guidelines for the Depiction of Black Life in Media

Depicting Our TRUTH IN Storytelling

Black culture and influence are present throughout the evolution of media technologies, memorializing oral traditions that reflect natural storytelling proficiencies, delivered with boldness, nuance, and flair.  As politics and platforms have evolved, so have internal and external perceptions of Black identity, which now often reflect mass ignorance, confusion, and disdain.

To disrupt the production and dissemination of these troubling narratives, the NAACP provides media guidelines that create much-needed awareness about the connections between storytelling choices and resulting social outcomes.

Download the guidelines below for the Six Imperatives for Rendering Black Lives in Media, solutions to ensure every frame and effort respects and celebrates Black people, culture, and stories.