About Us
Welcome to BLACK BY GOD | The West Virginian
Black by God (BBG) is at the forefront of community-led news and storytelling in West Virginia. We are committed to showcasing the diverse experiences of Black and BIPOC communities in the Appalachian region. Our core mission is to present a detailed and varied portrayal of life in these communities, focusing on agriculture, technology, community, civics, and business.
BBG is on a mission to revolutionize West Virginia’s media scene. We aim to lift the voices, perspectives, and issues of those overlooked by mainstream media, thereby strengthening the Black/BIPOC community’s impact. Our vision is to be recognized as a hub of excellence where new and established talent can thrive, promoting outstanding storytelling, design, and innovation. At BBG, we believe in the power of representation — not just as a core value but as a means to empower our community for better informed personal and political decisions, contributing to our people’s overall health and well-being. BBG was founded in 2020 by poet, performer, and publisher Crystal Good.
Meet our Team
Read more about BBG on YES! Magazine
AI Transparency at Black By God
At Black By God: The West Virginian, real human journalists rooted in the communities we cover report, write, and edit our journalism.
That will never change.
As with many newsrooms, we are also learning to use artificial intelligence tools thoughtfully. AI does not replace human reporting, editorial judgment, or community voice.
We’re navigating this technology in real time, the same way many small and independent newsrooms are. We don’t have every answer yet, and our approach may evolve but we’re committed to being transparent with you as it does.
Questions about how we use AI? Reach out to our Publisher/Founder: crystal@blackbygod.org