(Above): From top: Seen at a Zoom event to celebrate ethnic media journalists, the 2020 Ethnic Media Awards from Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media, June 3, are emcees Odette Keeley and Pilar Marrero from EMS; and Siliconeer Youth Editor and Digital Specialist Vansh A. Gupta. (Siliconeer/Zoom/Shutterstock)

Siliconeer wins the Special Youth Voice Award at the 2020 Ethnic Media Awards for pioneering the Gen-Z platform, giving students a voice in the community to showcase the brilliant minds of tomorrow: their stories, their struggles, and their aspirations.

2020 has been a year filled with notable events. The biggest being the proverbial white elephant – COVID-19. Communities were struck with many hurdles, and we witnessed a fresh and strong movement for justice and equality.

Throughout all this chaos arose a need for a sense of community – a clear wake up call for humankind. And here we are, witnessing progressive strides initiated by the minds of tomorrow, today.

All of this came to the limelight thanks to endless efforts of first responders, journalists, and media. Media works hard to bring factual, impactful, and relevant information to their respective communities, working tirelessly, around the clock for every story.

(Clockwise from top left): Seen at the 2020 Ethnic Media Awards conference on Zoom are: Odette Keeley, Director, Maynard 200; Pilar Marrero, Associate Editor, Ethnic Media Services; Sandy Close, Executive Director, Ethnic Media Services; and Regina Brown Wilson, Director, California Black Media.

Executive director of Ethnic Media Services, Sandy Close, fondly referred to as the ‘Florence Nightingale of Ethnic Media,’ rightly said, “Ethnic media are like fingers on a hand. When we work together, we’re a fist.”

With over 230 submissions from various ethnic media outlets, Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media hosted an exceptional virtual award show, June 3. About 30 media personas were recognized for their unique perspectives on both major and then some unimaginable events.

Along with the South Asian community, winners stemmed from the Black, Russian, Latinx, Korean, Khmer, Native Americans, Chinese, and other various ethnic communities.

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking at the EMS Awards ceremony through a Zoom video.

California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged ethnic media’s role in society stating, “Ethnic media has quickly become an increasingly indispensable bridge for communicating with diverse populations within our state.”

Awards ranged from coverage of major national events – the 2020 Census, crisis brought on by the pandemic, immigration issues, racial justice, the 2020 Elections – to events on a more global scale impacting all ethnic communities – COVID-19 and Climate Change. A special award was also introduced for the evolving Ethnic Media culture in U.S. that recognized unique commentary and media outlets innovating for the future.

Within the South Asian community, two media outlets were recognized for their excellence.

Vansh Gupta from Siliconeer was recognized for willingness to inflect towards the minds of tomorrow, today. Siliconeer believes that there is a strong need for a Gen-Z voice within the ethnic media community. We strive to foster that voice and we believe others in the ethnic media community should join us in empowering the next generation so they can also be heard within their communities.

India West contributor, Giovanni Albanese Jr., was a recipient of the Climate Change award for the story, “Napa Wildfires Ravage Vineyards, But Indian American-owned Wineries Largely Escape Devastation.”

Tony Lai, founder of Khmer TV, was recognized for writing poems in place of editorials to persuade them to get vaccinated. In his acceptance speech, Lai states that normal conversation goes in from one ear and out the other, however, poetry tells a story that resonates with people and keeps them more engaged.

Kiyoon Kim, YTV American, received an award for the Racial Justice category for covering the Korean community’s involvement in the Black Rights Movement. Kim showcases the importance of cross-cultural support and believes that the fight for justice isn’t just of one community, but everyone.

There were many awards given out and every award was well-deserved as every journalist and media outlet has worked relentlessly to reveal the untold stories of their communities.

Siliconeer is honored to be a part of Ethnic Media Services. Many tunnel their vision to mainstream media but ethnic media are the real heroes and play a vital role in the digital communication space.

 

2020 Ethnic Media Awards winners can be seen here: https://ethnicmediaservices.org/2020-california-ethnic-media-awards/