Changing the Narrative Starts With Us All
Our Version Media was founded by a Black British journalist who was tired of the media’s demonisation of black people. When change wouldn’t come from within, she stepped out and built a movement – equipping people with the tools and skills to tell their own authentic stories. What began with one woman and a vision has become a force for global change.
Community Media and Community Activism
Since 2019 we have fought false media narratives and empowered black voices. We exist because we’ve seen first hand the harmful effects that the media’s demonisation of African, Caribbean, and Black British people has on our communities. And, here’s where we’re different: instead of banging on the media’s doors shouting for fair representation on their platforms, we instead arm individuals and communities with digital media and journalism skills to tell and share their own, authentic stories. After all, who better to right the narratives?
By amplifying black voices and increasing real-life and positive stories, we’re empowering people to challenge the media’s harmful stereotypes and show the real people behind the clickbait headlines.
Negative labels and stereotypes can shape perceptions and limit opportunities, turning into self-fulfilling prophecies. When the British media consistently portrays black people through a lens of negativity, these harmful narratives become deep-rooted. By reclaiming the narratives, we work to dismantle these stereotypes and restore respect, self-confidence and dignity to the communities we serve.
Our mission is clear: The media’s vilification of our communities has a serious impact on wellbeing, as revealed in our research, Black People, Media & Wellbeing, 2020. It has to stop.
At Our Version Media, we’re leveraging new media for social good.
“If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” – Malcolm X, civil rights activist
Our Founder
Southampton-born former broadcast journalist, Veronica Gordon, has over 15 years’ media experience (ITV regional news, BBC local radio, Unity 101 community radio, and digital media). Alongside this, she has worked and volunteered with the region’s ethnically and culturally diverse communities for over 15 years.
Veronica combined her journalism and community activism to create Our Version Media after becoming increasingly frustrated with the media’s demonisation of black and minoritised groups, and seeing the harm it has on their wellbeing and life chances. Our Version Media’s mission: to counteract the negative narratives by equipping black – and other communities demonised by the press – with media skills to tell and share their own, authentic stories.
Veronica has been amplifying black voices since 2005 when she founded Vibrant Vibes, Southampton’s leading radio show for the city’s black communities. Also a podcaster, Veronica hosted Power To Change’s Then One Day, a podcast that championed the UK’s community businesses sector.
She is also a committee member at IMPRESS, the UK’s independent press regulator.
Our Vision
We envision a world where black people are portrayed with humanity and dignity, where truthful narratives prevail and negative narratives are a thing of the past. It’s a world where individuals and communities are confident to loudly and proudly tell and share their own, authentic stories.
Our Values
Democratising Media: We believe media should reflect the diversity of our society, where everyone has the power to tell their own story. This ensures all voices are included and represented.
Counteracting Negative Narratives: We challenge harmful stereotypes perpetuated by mainstream media, ensuring our communities are portrayed with the depth and dignity they deserve.
Inclusive Representation: We believe media should serve all communities, not just the voices of a privileged few. Doing so helps to create a more equitable and just society.
Empowerment: We equip individuals with the skills and confidence to tell their own stories, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. This boosts confidence, self-esteem, wellbeing, and strengthens self-identity.
Amplifying Voices: We champion Black British, African, and Caribbean stories, and sharing of authentic experiences. This challenges mainstream narratives and reshapes public perception.
Skills Building: We empower individuals by providing training in digital media, mobile video production, storytelling, and journalism. This enables people to create and share their stories with confidence.
Authentic Storytelling: We believe true representation starts with authentic storytelling, which fosters deeper understanding and connection across all communities.
Challenging Stigma: We stand against the media’s demonisation and stigmatisation of Black people. By challenging harmful stereotypes, we work to dismantle prejudice and promote understanding.
Community Focus: We empower people to tell their own stories, rooted in their lived experiences of their communities, ensuring their voices and perspectives are central to the narrative.
Collaboration: We actively seek partnerships with those who share our commitment to amplifying Black voices, recognising that collective action drives lasting change.