Bringing Black WV to the forefront

Dear readers,

As a teenager, I made an offer to purchase the Mountain State’s one Black-owned newspaper, the Beacon Digest. I was passionate about journalism and understood the importance of representing the perspectives of Black West Virginians in the media – stories that are still underreported by outlets in the state today.

The owners declined my offer and the paper closed in 2008. Though in the years since, I have dedicated my time, energy, and passion to storytelling through poetry and performance art.

I took a job covering state politics for the West Virginia Press Association. As if by fate, West Virginia University launched a program aimed at reinvigorating community newspapers. I applied and received a full scholarship. And BLACK BY GOD | The West Virginian was born.

I feel more compelled than ever to harness art and journalism to bring the stories and perspectives of Black West Virginians to the forefront.

This is important not just for a historical record, but as West Virginia becomes a region full of disinformation, struggling with economic insecurity.

BBG provides a valuable connection as a Black-led news and story-telling organization. We strive to address the information gap and provide news most relevant to Black people in West Virginia, where existing news outlets lack Black leadership and representation. This work is intersectional and as we report on the reality of Black lives in our area, we’re creating a living record of our collective American story.

Today, I’m writing to ask for your help.

Building a newsroom from the ground up takes a lot of work. Our journalism is free to access, and we’re able to do this because readers like you donate what they can to support our mission.

Will you join them?

In 35 years, the West Virginia Press Association claims that they know of only three Black reporters in the state, and I am one of them. Our mission at BBG is to change this, and build a different kind of journalism: a media platform where Black people are part of the reporting process.

This is why while your donation will go towards our newsroom, it will also help us launch a new initiative. BBG is piloting a Folk Reporters Program to cover public meetings, local government, and stories that would go unreported otherwise. This program will train Folk Reporters in culturally-responsive ways, and will provide free public access to all of the reporting.

BBG believes democracy begins with information, and our coverage seeks to help the people who live here participate in the process.

Today, I am asking you to contribute to our organization. Your donation supports our relentless pursuit of truth and justice through transparent, inclusive, and comprehensive journalism.

With my thanks,

Crystal Good

Storyteller, poet, reporter, and BBG Publisher/Founder