Resources for Black Journalists

I am tired, and I know you are too. The range of emotions I’ve experienced the past few weeks, months, and years are difficult to put into words — so I won’t bother. Instead, I’d like to use this blog post as a hub for the collection of helpful information I’ve seen many sharing on social media. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it offers various resources primarily for Black freelance journalists including places to find writing opportunities, mental health resources, places to donate, and a handful of stories by other Black journalists that speak to this difficult moment. In addition to the resources below, if I can help anyone or lend an ear to vent, please reach out: carlett.spike@gmail.com. From one Black journalist to many others.

Find outlets to pitch

• Writers of Color Twitter page

• Recent editions of Sonia Weiser’s Opportunities of the Week newsletter have included editors’ requests for pitches from Black writers.

• Tim Herrera, an editor for the Smarter Living section of the New York Times, is hosting a panel event on Sunday, June 6, called “Making it as a POC in journalism.” The panel will include Kristin Wong, an editor and writer, Lindsey Underwood, an editor at The New York Times's Styles desk, and Adam Harris, a staff writer at The Atlantic. Here’s a link to the event info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/making-it-as-a-poc-in-journalism-tickets-107767064190

• Bigger Better Writer has a round up of 11 editors looking for pitches from Black writers.

• Keep an eye on these Twitter hashtags for other opportunities: #ReignyDayJobs #WritersofColor and #Binders

Connect with others

• Join the Journalists of Color Slack channel

• Many are offering to connect with Black creatives to review pitches, offer career advice, etc. I searched “dms open black writers” on Twitter to find some of those who are open to connecting and helping.

• Sonia Weiser has also compiled a spreadsheet to connect journalists, editors, and comms people.

Free therapy opportunities and mental health guides

• The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation

• black girls breathing

• Association of Black Psychologists Self-Care Tool Kit

• Black Female Therapists

Places to donate

• National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) . (They also have a relief fund that members can apply to.)

• Campaign Zero

• Reclaim the Block

• GoFundMe campaigns for the families of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee

• Black Visions Collective

• Communities United Against Police Brutality

Recent stories by Black writers

• Emotional dam broken for Black community, including Black journalists by Jared Council

• Podcast: Let Them Know Who You Are by Lydia T. Blanco

• 8 Journalists on Reporting While Black, With the Weight of History on Their Shoulders

• When White People are Uncomfortable Black People are Silenced by Rachel Elizabeth Cargle

• Black Journalists are Exhausted by Patrice Peck

• George Floyd and the special hell reserved for Black journalists covering his killing by LZ Granderson

• What is an anti-racist reading list for? By Lauren Michele Jackson