WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, and URL Media today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing a strategic partnership to connect rigorous, evidence-based research with the community media that Black Americans actually rely on.
The partnership brings together URL Media’s network of more than 50 independent publisher partners currently reaching 27 million people — with a goal of 50 million by 2028 — and the Joint Center’s 50 years of policy research across workforce development, economic equity, technology policy, and government diversity. Through content sharing, creator collaboration, co-produced virtual events, and joint distribution strategies, the two organizations will work to ensure that policy research and data reaches the communities it is designed to serve.
“The research we produce at the Joint Center is only as powerful as the audiences who receive it,” said Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, President of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. “URL Media has built something rare: a network where trust between publisher and community was the foundation, not an afterthought. Black communities deserve policy analysis delivered through outlets that see them fully. This partnership closes the distance between the research being done on behalf of Black Americans and the people those findings are actually for. That alignment is exactly what this moment requires.”
“URL Media welcomes this partnership with the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies. We know in this climate that we are stronger together — and combining forces helps our communities gain access to trusted information and services,” said Sara Lomax, URL Media Co-Founder and President.
The URL Media and Joint Center partnership represents a partnered vision to ensure evidence-based research, analysis, and convenings effectively reach Black and Brown communities.
About URL Media
URL Media is transforming the media landscape by building a scalable, sustainable ecosystem that empowers trusted publishers and creators serving Black and Brown communities, strengthens their capacity, and directs investment and opportunity to these voices central to shaping our culture and democracy. Founded in 2021 by media trailblazers Sara Lomax and S. Mitra Kalita, URL Media delivers authentic reach and lasting impact for brands, institutions, and audiences ready to engage meaningfully with these communities. For more information, visit url-media.com.
About the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies. For more information, visit jointcenter.org.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kennedy Fortner, Kennedy.fortner@jointcenter.org
Kirstin Garriss, kirstin@url-media.com
