Happy Women’s History Month! During the month of March, we shed light on the incredible contributions made by women and look forward to all the accomplishments to celebrate. In this issue of The Byline, we featured three amazing women in different areas of journalism. It’s also worth to note that all articles were written and edited by Black women writers. Throughout history, women have faced many trials and tribulations to get to where we are in society now and we’re still not done. Let’s continue to celebrate, support and protect women this month and beyond!
Announcements:
- The Byline is looking for an Editor/Chair! Please contact Mya at myagrant3716@gmail.com for inquiries and more information.
- Our next chapter meeting is March 9th at noon at WSB-TV Studios. We have an exciting Women’s History Month panel prepared! Come out, network & hear from some of the most influential Black women journalists.
- NABJ Upcoming Events:
- March 23rd: NABJ Arts & Entertainment Media Institute, Los Angeles, CA
- April 12-13th: NABJ Region 3 Conference, Tulsa, OK
- April 20th: NABJ Emerging Journalists Media Institute & Investigative Reporting Summit, New York, NY
- July 31st – Aug 4th: NABJ National Convention, Chicago, IL
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Madeline Thigpen Talks About Highlighting All Voices
By: Dante Miller
When you’re a Black woman who covers criminal justice, it can be a unique experience. Madeline Thigpen often found herself being the only Black woman while covering her stories and finding the ‘joys’ in her beat can be difficult.
Thigpen has been Capital B’s criminal justice reporter since August 2022. Balanced reporting is important to her when covering a story—especially stories or people other media outlets might overlook.
“There’s a lot of messed up things happening with the criminal justice system,” said Thigpen. “But there’s also a lot of people doing the work to improve the criminal justice system.”
A couple of those people doing the work include KaCey Venning, co-founder and executive director of HEY! (Helping Empower Youth), and Justin Ballenger, Morehouse professor and advocate for positive behavioral intervention and support. Thigpen spoke to them for her article “Inside One Black Mom’s Fight Against Expulsion in Fulton County,” a story about the expulsion of Zaire Byrd, who received a long-term suspension after getting into a fight even though he didn’t have a prior disciplinary record.
Before joining Capital B, the New Jersey native worked as an education reporter for The Atlanta Voice through Report for America. Her experience with both beats gave Thigpen a different perspective on how intertwined the education system and the criminal justice systems are.
When covering education and criminal justice, Thigpen looks at the bigger picture. She wants to report the socioeconomic reasons why a student is acting out in class or why an individual might commit a crime. She actively avoids being the reporter who parachutes in and out when covering a story once the article is submitted.
For about a year, Thigpen has been reporting on the infamous development of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, also known as Cop City. She has touched on this with her interviews with NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
The development sparked controversy because of its location in one of Atlanta’s ‘Four Lungs’ in the Weelaunee Forest area. Surrounding residents in the predominantly Black community also feel that this will cause further excessive policing. Additionally, much of the land included in the development plans were a part of the abandoned Old Atlanta Prison Farm.
Even though the coverage of Cop City has gained national attention, Thigpen says at the end of the day, it’s a local story.
“It’s important for local outlets like Capital B and others to be committed to covering everything,” said Thigpen. “Because many stories wouldn’t be public knowledge if it weren’t for local reporters.”
Thigpen also stressed the importance of being a Black woman who works in local journalism.
“For so long, we have heard only one or two types of voices,” said Thigpen. “All of our voices are important.”
One of the things Thigpen enjoys about working with outlets like Capital B is that she can highlight Black voices.
“What I like about being a reporter and writer is that I demystify some of these things for our readers,” said Thigpen. “Capital B is committed to finding and highlighting black voices, especially for black readers.”
Although her hard news stories attribute to her reputation, highlighting stories like Black women who are fire chiefs are considered a win in her book, too.
Read more of Thigpen’s stories here or keep up with her journey on X (formerly known as Twitter.)
Atlanta Nonprofit Leader is Reframing Narratives One Teen at a Time
By Aaleah McConnell
As Executive Director of VOX ATL, Charaun Cash is not only brainstorming ways to amplify the voices of Atlanta’s youth, but is also reframing what a person in power looks like. This Women’s History Month, we acknowledge Cash for leading the noble mission at VOX ATL, a nonprofit based in Atlanta, spearheaded by a cohort of teens ranging from ages 13 to 19.
Cash proves that a high-powered executive can be anyone, from anywhere, and can even come packaged as a go-getting Black woman with a cause. The nonprofit, which celebrated its 30th year of operation in 2023, was built on the notion that teens are often misrepresented – being portrayed as aloof and uncaring about the issues impacting their world. So, as executive director of the teen-led organization, Cash is making sure that the next generation of decision-makers have the opportunity to publish multimedia work subverting these narratives.
Cash grew up in Jefferson Township right outside of Dayton, Ohio, where she graduated from a high school class of only 35 people. Growing up in such a tight-knit community provided a wealth of matriarchal figures who inspired her to help others and create change.
“It takes a village,” said Cash. “I wouldn’t be here without my village of women who have poured into me and have continued to pour into me. They’re the reason I am who I am.”
And now, she is leading a village of young journalists of her own.
“Honestly, teens already have their voice,” said Cash. “It’s just a matter of them harnessing its power.”
In addition to leading the news organization and raising funds to sustain operation, Cash also works hands-on with the nonprofit’s after-school program. There, she gets the opportunity to mentor teens one-on-one and see them grow as multimedia journalists. Cash says everyday brings with it a new set of challenges but as a first-time executive director, she is happy to take on the responsibility.
“At Vox, they’ve learned how to harness the power of their voice and make it much louder,” said Cash. “We’re just here as a conduit. For me, that is the most fulfilling aspect of the work that we do.”
But being that it is Women’s History Month, Cash believes it is important to shine a light on the challenges that may come with accepting a leadership position. Cash admits that signing on for the role was nerve racking at first, especially with changes going on in her life as a wife and a mother.
“I was very nervous about how I would be impacting my family,” said Cash. “Like the cautionary tale of a woman choosing a career over her family and being resented for it.”
Though she jokes now that the only barrier keeping her from putting VOX ATL on the map as the city’s preferred source of news for teens, by teens, is not being able to duplicate herself. Cash is grateful to have a mother and a husband who provide a support system that helps her lean into the demands of the job without fear or judgment.
“It’s not that I’m neglecting my family, because I choose to pursue my career,” said Cash. “It’s that I’m helping my family because I choose to pursue my career.”
Cash believes that women should be uplifted by their achievements and accomplishments, no matter how big. Inspiring the next generation is a huge honor and responsibility but nonetheless, rewarding. Cash says she is grateful that she didn’t let fear get in her way and encourages others to step outside of their comfort zones.
To keep up with what Cash is doing with VOX ATL or become a volunteer on the team, visit VOXATL.org
The Glo-Getter of Paid Media
By: Radhiya Alston
Showing up every day as the best version of yourself is what Candii Woodson-Witchard lives by. As the Media Director of AT&T/Cricket Wireless and Founder of Miss Packlight, her journey has been a perfect example of tapping into your potential and investing in yourself.
Woodson-Witchard’s journey began during her undergrad at Furman University majoring in communication studies. She envisioned herself working in public relations, sports marketing or radio and interned at multiple marketing firms and radio stations to help with narrowing down a pathway.
“I thought this would help me lock down what direction I was going to go in,” said Woodson-Witchard.
After completing her bachelor’s degree program at Furman, Woodson-Witchard went on to earn her master’s degree from Mercer University with a concentration in marketing. At this time, Woodson-Witchard was also working as a marketing intern for the Atlanta Braves before entering her career in radio sales, but she was starting to realize that she needed to make some shifts.
“Radio was kind of a dying medium,” said Woodson-Witchard. “I knew it was time to make a change.”
Woodson-Witchard decided to shift into digital sales and looked towards media advertisement as her next step. In 2007, she started building her portfolio to pitch to paid media agencies and the rest is history. Since then, she’s had the opportunity to work with brands like Verizon Wireless, Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin Donuts and Georgia-Pacific, helping these brands grow their consumerism through paid advertisements.
Her career path and experiences were things she didn’t think existed but her background in communications and business helped prepare for it, along with the network she’s developed over the years.
Since 2019, Woodson-Witchard has been the Media Director for AT&T/Cricket Wireless, where she’s responsible for the media planning of the company. She recalls the time she saw the position open and how one of her previous boss and mentor helped and encouraged Woodson-Witchard to apply.
“It was such a full circle moment,” said Woodson-Witchard. “Going from having her as a boss to now having her as a client.”
Outside of being a media director, Woodson-Witchard is the proud founder of Miss Packlight, a supportive space that empowers women in all aspects of life. The organization started as a blog in 2010 and has grown into a successful community since 2018.
“I created Miss Packlight to create that space to get real and not present ourselves as if everything is all awesome,” said Woodson-Witchard.
Miss Packlight’s mission is for women to learn to live in their light, shine in their light and go towards that light. Woodson-Witchard’s goal with Miss Packlight is to create a tight knit community and hold a space for women to feel safe about being vulnerable and showing up as their authentic selves. There’s more in store as Woodson-Witchard is currently working on a new project, a space focused on the wellness and wellbeing of Black women and women of color, She Packlight.
To follow Woodson-Witchard’s journey and keep up with Miss Packlight, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.