Celebrating Black Journanlists in Honor of Black History Month
On January 31st, I logged onto Twitter and saw something shockingly positive: Capital B had officially launched. Per the organization’s mission statement, “Capital B is a Black-led, nonprofit local and national news organization reporting for Black communitites across the country.” Read from co-founders Lauren Williams and Akoto Ofori-Atta on why now is the right time for Capital B.
Excited by this tweet, I went to Capital B’s webiste and was immediately innundated (and I mean that in a good way) with rich and thorough reporting on a variety of topics pertaining to Black communities, written by Black journalists, such as “The Rise and Fall of Prison Education” and “The False Promise of the Black Police Chief.”
City governments’ trend of hiring Black police chiefs in an effort to show that their departments are anti-racist ultimately does the opposite, Gau says, displaying a lack of understanding around how racial bias works. Looking to diversification, especially within the higher ranks of the police force, as the sole goal is a woefully limited strategy because it fails to take aim at the culture of policing itself.
- Tamar Sarai Davis, “The False Promise of the Black Police Chief” for Capital B
In addition to expanding their reporting in the areas of health equity, policing, education, criminal justice, and climate and the environment, Capital B is opening several bureaus around the country to cover local reporting, starting with Capital B Atlanta. In an interview with Nieman Lab in March 2021, co-founder Akoto Ofori-Atta said regarding picking buruea locations,
We were looking at the areas that we felt needed this the most, right? Our criteria for that was large Black cities that have especially bad local news access. We took particular interest in Rust Belt cities and regions, because often the journalism that comes out of that area centers white folks and there are plenty of Black folks in the Rust Belt whose challenges need some attention.
We’ve also been thinking very strategically about states where demographics are shifting. We’ve seen the reporting that has come out about how Black Americans in those areas are most susceptible to targeted misinformation campaigns, particularly around close elections. Those are our criteria and then from there, we have a shortlist that we’re going to hold close for now.
More Black Journalists, Journalism, and Black History Month Programming to Know (A Non-Exhaustive List)
NPR Programs and Journalists
Black History Month 2022 - For 20 years, NPR compiles stories and podcasts from the year chronicling the Black experience. Every year hones in on a theme, and this year’s theme is Black Health and Wellness.
It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders - Hosted twice weekly by the titular jouranlist, Sam Sanders explores current culture through conversation.
Code Switch - Airing weekly on Wednesdays, Code Switch holds fearless conversations about race. The show is hosted by Gene Demby, and they’re currently on the hunt for a new co-host following the departure of Shereen Marisol Meraji.
Louder Than a Riot - Co-hosted by Sidney Madden and Rodney Carmichael, Louder Than a Riot aired from 2020 - 2021 and explored the rise of hip-hop and masss incarceration in America.
Ayesha Rascoe, White House Correspondent - Ayesha often appears on The NPR Politics Podcast, often appears on Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and has guest hosted or appeared on It’s Been a Minute with Sam Sanders, Weekend Edition Sunday, and Pop Culture Happy Hour. Though the White House is her typical beat, I always enjoy Ayesha’s pop culture commentary and general reporting.
Aisha Harris, Host of Pop Culture Happy Hour - Aisha was the newest correspondent to join Pop Culture Happy Hour in the fall of 2021. I love the perspective and thoughtful anyalses she brings to all things pop culture. Fun fact: Aisha is a twin; her sister, Zakiya Dalila Harris, is the author of The Other Black Girl, and was interviewed about her literary debut on It’s Been a Minute in June 2021.
Episodes and Segments to Learn From and Enjoy
World Cafe Black History Month: New Voices (18-song playlist)
Reconsidering Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” (7 minutes)
Has the NFL’s Racial Reckoning Arrived? (3 minutes)
Through NPR Fangirl, I’ve made it my mission to not only raise awareness and support the efforts of public and nonprofit journalism, but to hone in on communities and journalists that are often underrepresented. While it is Black History Month, this donation isn’t a one and done. With your help, we’ll continue to make contributions, and hopefully — a difference, to organizations where Black and [B]IPOC are reporting and/or supported (i.e., The NABJ). Considering sharing NPR Fangirl to maximize the impact we can make together.