Black By God The West Virginian is a developing community-led journalism venture, seeking to fortify our civic infrastructure in a time that journalism is needed the most.
BBG’s Folk Reporters Program is seeking citizens and civic actors, creators, and collaborators representing a broad base of intergenerational, diverse communities to explore the 2021 West Virginia Legislative agenda that impacts Black citizens.
Bringing the community together by democratizing news and information at the local level, focusing on Black voices and Black issues we all benefit from, and keeping our local government accountable to the people — ALL the people.
Democracy doesn’t just happen. As a nation, we have to earn it. Every. Day.
So, what does the Folk Reporters Program do? Great question. It:
- Combines Folk art + journalism
- Arms citizens with the tools and resources they need to be warriors for democracy committed to an equitable and just world
- Gives underrepresented communities a platform to make their voices heard
- Brings transparency to overlooked sectors of government
- Fuels community engagement in tackling real problems and real issues
- Bears witness to legislative sessions, public meetings, etc., adding an observer to meetings and discussions that may be public in practice, but often feel “closed door.”
- Disseminates information to the reporter’s own community and audience
Contact: Crystal@Blackbygod.org
