Twenty-five years ago, Indymedia was born out of anti–World Trade Organization protests in Seattle in 1999. Using democratic media, volunteer journalists broadcast the voices from the global justice movement to millions of people around the globe.
Out of that realization of the power of independent media, a global network of 210 Independent Media Centers was born, including our own IMC. Since then, the media landscape has changed tremendously, but our IMC remains a paramount example of adaptability and resilience, evolving to meet the emerging needs of our community.
At the end of October, UCIMC celebrated 25 years with local members and collaborators from around the globe, including Japan, New York City, and Philadelphia.
The first panel discussion, “Strong Roots, Rich Soil,” started with a dedication to and remembrance of UCIMC founders, including a special dedication of a memorial portrait of beloved co-founder of our IMC, Belden Fields. His memorial portrait will be displayed alongside David Monk and Jenny Barrett in the building’s south entrance. Panelists then discussed the role of cultural organizing, which interweaves creativity and art with political action to make more desirable societies.
The second panel examined the role of independent press in the age of AI. Collaborators shared lessons learned from their own independent press projects and the dangers of a corporatized, homogenized media.
You can watch both panels on UCIMC’s YouTube channel.
There was also plenty of time for good food and fun! IMC celebrated Pride fest and featured musical performances, including Mother Nature hip-hop duo who cut their teeth at the UCIMC. Visitors learned how to get involved with UCIMC groups: Public i news, Books to Prisoners, Makerspace Urbana, WRFU radio, and more at an open house with hands-on opportunities to make art and media.
UCIMC Executive Director Miriam Larson read from movement artist Ricardo Levins Morales’s book The Soil is More Important than the Seeds to illustrate the importance of the UCIMC in providing fertile soil for many projects throughout its quarter-century of existence. As a model of longevity and sustainability within the Indymedia movement, UCIMC continues to support a diversity of art, media, technology, and community-based projects to support social justice.
What will YOU plant at the IMC in its next 25 years? If you’re not sure where to start, attend the next member orientation or stop by the next Community Night (Thursdays from 5–8 pm). Visit the IMC website at www.ucimc.org to sign up for the newsletter for upcoming dates.
Jane McClintock is a long-time Urbana resident. Jane currently serves on the board of the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center and on the Champaign County ACLU Steering Committee.