NYU Alum Creates Collective Supporting Black Journalists in NYC

Black journalists face significant challenges including underrepresentation and a lack of leadership roles in newsrooms, contributing to feelings of isolation and competition rather than solidarity. JaJuan Malachi Morris-Guity founded the Black Journalist Collective in 2022 to create a supportive community for Black journalists and content creators in New York City, aiming to bridge gaps within the industry and counteract the impacts of administration policies that threaten diversity and inclusion efforts. Meanwhile, the erosion of Black media outlets and layoffs in dedicated Black journalism departments at major organizations like CBS News and NBC News exacerbate the precariousness faced by Black journalists, deepening concerns about the future of Black storytelling in mainstream media. This climate is demoralizing for newcomers to the field, who witness the diminishing platforms available to authentically represent Black experiences. These developments highlight systemic issues in journalism that hinder the equitable representation of Black voices and stories.