AP and all Media: Capitalize B in Black and Brown
Associated Press and all Affiliates
Dear Associated Press and All Affiliated with the Associated Press Stylebook,
It has come to our attention that newspapers who use AP stylebook rules are removing the capital B in Black and Brown and replacing it with a lowercase b in opinion pieces people are submitting about the systemic racism in our nation. They state they must do this due to your rules.
We are requesting that your style rules be updated to comply with the wishes of the Black and Brown community that the B is capitalized when referring to their community. Failure to do so would mean the Associated Press is complicit in systemic racism and silencing the wants and needs of the Black and Brown community.
In a public letter, you state that it is an "important discussion" and there is a "lot to consider". Here are some relevant news stories for media that have chosen to update their policy to match the request of the Black and Brown communities. Perhaps they will answer your questions.
https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/3178288001
https://thehill.com/.../502365-former-nabj-president...
We ask that you reflect, rapidly educate yourselves and change this policy immediately for both commentaries and all press activities. Additionally, we request that all independent media reject this policy of the Associated Press as it does not reflect the request of Black and Brown folks across this country.
Sincerely,
Brenda Siegel, Candidate for VT Lieutenant Governor
Jubilee McGill, Candidate for State House VT Addison 5
All the Undersigned
Petition by
To:
Associated Press and all Affiliates
From:
[Your Name]
Dear Associated Press and All Affiliated with the Associated Press Stylebook,
It has come to our attention that newspapers who use AP stylebook rules are removing the capital B in Black and Brown and replacing it with a lowercase b in opinion pieces people are submitting about the systemic racism in our nation. They state they must do this due to your rules.
We are requesting that your style rules be updated to comply with the wishes of the Black and Brown community that the B is capitalized when referring to their community. Failure to do so would mean the Associated Press is complicit in systemic racism and silencing the wants and needs of the Black and Brown community.
Here are some relevant news stories for media that has chosen to update their policy to match the request of the Black and Brown communities.
https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/3178288001
https://thehill.com/.../502365-former-nabj-president...
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/capital-b-black-becomes-standard-usage-at-the-seattle-times/
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/6/15/21292317/capitalzing-b-black-sun-times-african-american-latino-white-style-newsroom
We ask that you reflect, rapidly education yourselves and change this policy immediately for both commentaries and all press activities. Additionally, we request that all independent media reject this policy of the Associated Press as it does not reflect the request of Black and Brown folks across this country.
Sincerely,
Brenda Siegel, Candidate for Vemront Lieutenant Governor
Jubilee McGill, Candidate for State House Addison 5
All the Undersigned