"Victory Amid Adversity: The Rise of a Black-Owned Media Company After Ransomware and Conservative Attacks"

By Tamara Goins

Tamara Goins is a CUBNSC Staff writer and Music Critic 

Sunday, May 26th, 2024 (CUBNSC) - Columbia, S.C.

In a story marked by resilience and determination, Javar Juarez, a prominent Columbia businessman, organizer, and political figure, emerged as the owner of his own network after a relentless struggle against ransomware attacks and conservative opposition.

In February 2022, Juarez identified a significant information gap in the South Carolina midlands. Driven by his observations and community surveys, he launched initiatives aimed at addressing these issues. As the president of the Broad River Business Alliance, Juarez has been a pivotal force in transforming the narrative of Columbia’s original suburb, which has often been perceived as one of Richland County’s most dangerous areas;- Broad River Road. Since 2019, his efforts have brought recognition to the district’s hardworking residents, thriving businesses, and overlooked natural scenic beauty.

A burgeoning Democratic leader, Juarez has consistently held politicians accountable, advocating for the eradication of poverty and increased opportunities for marginalized communities. He views poverty as a politically induced epidemic fueled by corporate greed and has dedicated his career to fighting this injustice.

Juarez founded the Columbia Urban Broadcast Network to produce short films, documentaries, and news stories highlighting Columbia’s evolving political landscape, a domain riddled with corruption. His goal was to expose the systemic disenfranchisement of midlands residents and ensure that marginalized voices were heard.

His political activism extended to the South Carolina Democratic Party, where he served as a statewide delegate and executive committee member. Juarez formed alliances with groups like the ProTruth SC coalition, pushing back against prominent figures in the statehouse, including the late Senator John Scott. However, his time at the statehouse revealed the unsettling reality that even Democratic leaders were complicit in maintaining systemic issues.

By 2023, Juarez had become a staunch defender of education, opposing book bans, anti-critical race theory legislation, and racially motivated attacks spearheaded by the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus. His activism drew intense backlash. "I launched a major attack on key Republican leaders and didn’t let up," Juarez recounts. However, his efforts were undermined by an insider who fed information to his political adversaries, leading to a devastating ransomware attack that crippled his network.

Despite the setback, Juarez's resolve remained unshaken. He testified against anti-coercion bills H4605 and H4325, which were written to censor teachers and keep students from learning real American history. In the process, he faced relentless attacks on social media. His accounts were censored and demonetized. 

"I didn't learn my lesson though," Juarez admits. "I went back to the statehouse and testified even harder against Anti-DEI Legislation. Blocking diversity, equity, and inclusion in a state like South Carolina is like jumping into a time machine back to when Black people were being hosed and attacked by dogs." Juarez referred to South Carolina Governor Henry McMasters' comments at the 2023 Republican convention, where McMasters stated, "I look forward to the day that Democrats are so rare, we have to hunt them with dogs."

Juarez also promised Representative Jermaine Johnson that he would "keep the same energy" and support Black Democrats in the house, especially those from the Richland Delegation, despite his doubts about its leadership. "I came out swinging, and this time, just like the last, I wasn’t letting up. I said what needed to be said and made sure I addressed people across the state to be mindful of where they are spending their money and with whom as a means of pushing back against Republicans who want to interfere in our everyday lives and make it hard for Black people in this state." This stance, however, would later backfire. The current climate is difficult for all Black content creators, as Democrats in the Statehouse, assisted by Republicans, seek to silence voices critical of the government and the Black genocide happening in America. 

The situation worsened in 2024 when Black influencers rallied against the genocide in Gaza and the plight of Palestinians. This was the last straw for AIPAC-backed Democrats, who, despite initially seeking Black influencers' support for elections, now wanted to take their platforms away. This led to increased monitoring and demonetization of Black content creators. Juarez's platform was reported numerous times, particularly for the video of his testimony and Representative Johnson’s remarks about his experience in the house while dressed in traditional African garb, which Juarez also wore in protest.

"Tiktok shut my platform down for the second and final time and I decided, you know what? I am just going to focus on posting where I am the one that owns the platform. Soon after, my geek squad let me know that they had recovered my domain and that they had been able to help ensure something like this wouldn’t be so easy to happen again." 

The culmination of these attacks forced Juarez to rebuild his social media presence for a third time and focus on finally building the network.  Despite the significant financial burden, he persevered, driven by a commitment to his community and the principles he stands for. "Sometimes being me is unpopular, there are powerful people Black and white, Democrat and Republicans that don't want you to know the truth about what's going on." 

Juarez’s network, the Columbia Urban Broadcast Network, represents more than just a media platform. It is a testament to his unwavering dedication to social justice and his refusal to be silenced. "Why didn’t I just give up?" Juarez reflects. "It was the principle. This was something that I had worked on for a year to ensure my community wasn’t in the dark about what both Democrats and Republicans are still doing."

Juarez's journey underscores the importance of independent Black owned media and the power of community support. He remains committed to telling the stories that mainstream media often ignores, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry of Black communities all across South Carolina.

As he calls on the community for support, Juarez continues to embrace his passion for writing, storytelling, and advocating for the arts. "Nobody ever said it was going to be easy," he says. "I just know that it’s my passion that makes it worth it."

Javar Juarez’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience required to fight for justice and truth in the face of adversity. His network stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the people of Columbia and beyond. 

You can get involved and Support the Columbia Urban Broadcast Network through their CashApp: $CUBNSC

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