By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
There’s still time to see the new Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) exhibit that explores how power, propaganda, and technology shape the narratives that ultimately shape how we see the world. “The Victors Write the Algorithm: Power, Propaganda, and the Making of American Memory” is a thought-provoking exploration of how historical memory is often constructed, manipulated, and presented to the public —shaping everything from our understanding of past events to the biases in the media we consume today.
“History is not just about the past — it’s about how the past is remembered and used to inform the present,” says Dr. Vanessa Carter, curator of the exhibit. “The Victors Write the Algorithm asks us to look at the forces that have historically shaped our perceptions of truth — whether in the form of political propaganda, biased media, or even modern-day technology — and to question how those same forces are still influencing the narratives we encounter today.”
The exhibit opened February 6 as part of the BCRI commemoration of Black History Month and is particularly timely as the country marks two major milestones — 100 years of Black History Month and 250 years since the nation’s founding. “The Victors Write the Algorithm” urges viewers to reflect on whose voices are prioritized in the telling of America’s story, and whose are suppressed or erased. By positioning Black history as central to American history, the exhibit challenges the traditional narrative that has long sidelined marginalized communities and invites a deeper reckoning with the ways racial inequities have been woven into the fabric of historical storytelling.
The exhibit dives into the intersection of media bias, propaganda, and the rapid rise of algorithm-driven storytelling in the digital age. From the sweeping influence of social media platforms that tailor the news we see based on our past behaviors, to the subtle yet pervasive ways propaganda has been used to shape public opinion, the exhibit paints a powerful picture of how those in power are often able to dictate the “truth” of any given moment.
In conjunction with the exhibit, the Exhibit Opening Reception held on February 12 featured a Roundtable Discussion on the pressing issues of propaganda, media, and technology. The conversation brought together experts and activists who are reshaping the way we think about history and storytelling in the digital era. The panel featured:
• Deborah Bowie, President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• Edward Bowser, Deputy Director of Communications, City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office
• Nicole S. Daniel, Founder & Executive Editor of The Modern Standard
• Phillip Howard, Civil Rights People and Places Program Manager at The Conservation Fund
• Cody Short Johnson, Independent Journalist and Content Creator
• Jordan Kiper, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Shauna Stuart, Freelance Journalist and News and Culture Writer
This dynamic group of speakers examined how contemporary media, fueled by algorithms, shapes narratives of power and oppression, and how preserving diverse voices and perspectives is critical in today’s information landscape.
“Media today is so deeply influenced by algorithms that it’s increasingly difficult to separate truth from bias. ‘The Victors Write the Algorithm’ shines a light on this, showing us how those in power can often dictate what ‘truth’ we see, hear, and believe,” said Deborah Bowie, President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
Shauna Stuart, Freelance Journalist and Culture Writer, said, “It’s not just about the stories we tell today, but how those stories are told and to whom. ‘The Victors Write the Algorithm’ pushes us to think critically about who controls these narratives, and how we can be part of changing them to reflect more diverse, accurate histories.”
Just in time for Women’s History Month, BCRI opened an extension of “The Victors Write the Algorithm” exhibit, titled “Miss Representation.” This installation takes this conversation even further, focusing on the distortion and erasure of women’s stories — particularly the stories of Black women — in media, culture, and public memory. From the early days of newspapers to Hollywood, advertising, and today’s digital feeds, women have long been confined to narrow roles and stereotypes, which impact how they are seen, treated, and valued in society.
“Miss Representation” delves into how these limited portrayals of women shape societal power dynamics, influence policy, and affect everyday life. It challenges us to reconsider who gets to be fully human in the stories we tell. The installation reflects on how media and cultural representations have historically — and continue to — flatten the identities of women, especially Black women, while presenting one-dimensional, often harmful, depictions that limit their visibility and agency.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The exhibit also highlights the growing movements to reclaim these narratives — from the resurgence of Black storytelling in literature, film, and music, to the grassroots efforts of communities using new media tools to amplify voices that have long been silenced. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on how these new narratives can reshape a nation’s collective memory and how each of us can help challenge the established truths of our time.
Both exhibits are on view at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The Victors Write the Algorithm is through March 20, and Miss Representation will be available for viewing through March 28.
