THE BYLINE 01/2021

A Letter from The President 

Greetings and Happy New Year AABJ family, 

I hope you have all had a wonderful and safe holiday season. 

This past year was very unpredictable and crazy for all of us. Some of us by now, know someone one adversely affected by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that has killed more than 370,000 people in the United states.  

Some of us have also been deeply affected by the pandemic in ways we haven’t expected. We’ve lost loved ones whom we mourn with you. We’ve had to be journalists from home while managing families. We’ve had to find ways to connect with loved ones we were used to seeing every day or at least once a week. 

Because of COVID-19, the then-newly elected AABJ board moved many of our events to an online virtual format. But, that didn’t stop the momentum of the new board. 

Behind the scenes, we worked tirelessly to ensure members still felt like you had a local NABJ chapter to call home. Whether it was our first virtual event with WSB anchor Jovita Moore or our partnerships with Pope Productions and The Black Man Lab AABJ made sure members had interactive events that helped them grow as journalists and media professionals. 

On a national level, the organization participated in NABJ’s first virtual national and joint regional convention, both of which had high attendance. 

As we head into 2021 and with the continued uptick in COVID-19 cases, our events for the foreseeable future will continue to be virtual. Our members’ safety is one of our top priorities, and hosting an in-person event compromises that. 

Despite the challenges the past year has brought us personally, professional and mentally, AABJ is here to continue working for you. We are working to provide continued virtual programming and essential professional training that will enhance your skills in the new year. 

We will continue to keep you informed on the organization’s activities this year through our AABJ Facebook group, exclusively for members, as well as AABJ’s Instagram and Twitter pages. We thank you for your continued support this past year and look forward to working with you all in 2021.

Your president, 

Amir Vera

Journalism Veteran and AJC Columnist Gracie Staples Shares Her Story

By Jamila Wood 

Few have had the storied career that Gracie Staples has had. The warmingly inviting journalist has covered a myriad of topics, including education, politics, and lifestyles, all while making it a point to highlight issues affecting Black people and fairly represent them in her reporting. 

Staples has an expansive resume that includes 23 years at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a legacy institution from which she is soon retiring. 

A first-generation college graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi, Staples’ teachers encouraged her writing and storytelling talent. 

“Well when I started college, I had no idea what I might do because I was the first one in my family to attend college,” Staples said. “I had a high school English teacher who told me that I had writing talent. I went to junior college first because I needed to work and stay at home. I met a teacher at Southwest Mississippi junior college, and she was the one who suggested that I take some journalism courses. The rest is history.” 

Staples has written for many publications before making AJC her home including The Chicago Tribune, The Seattle Times, The (Toronto) Star,  Baltimore Sun, and Kansas City Star. As difficult as it may be for someone with a versatile amount of bylines, Gracie described her career in a few words: exciting, rewarding, fulfilling, and fruitful.

“I think the exciting thing about it [her career] was every day I got to wake up and do the thing that I loved most and get paid for it,” she said. “It was rewarding because I felt like it was my way of making a difference in my little part of the world. I didn’t think it would be that when I started. I thought that it would just be me telling people stories and recording history. But, it turned out to be far more than that. I could see how it could make a difference in people’s lives if I used my talent the right way.”

Gracie recalled many stories she’s written that have made an impact on many lives, including one of her first big stories at the AJC about a young woman living in a hotel with her mom whose dream was to go to West Point.

“People have read my words and not only open their hearts but open their pocketbook,” she said. “When I got [to the AJC], a young woman was living in a hotel with her mother. Her dream was to go to West Point. I went over and I talked to them. 

“She needed I think less than one hundred dollars to get there,” Staples said. “I wrote this story about her journey and why she wanted to go to West Point. It was published the next day.” 

Staples said her work email was flooded with people who wanted to help her. 

“We had to set up a bank account where she could get the money,” she said. “I think she ended up getting more than twenty thousand dollars. On top of that, I think it was [then Atlanta] Mayor Shirley Franklin at the time that reached out to her mom and actually helped her find a home.”

It’s not unusual for Staples’ stories to have a positive or emotional effect on people in the metro Atlanta community. She credits the impact of her approach to writing heartwarming and impactful stories. 

“I really go with what’s in my gut. When I am talking to people, I’m just not listening to them and hearing words. I really try as best as I can to experience what they are saying to me,” she said. “When I’m done if it’s something that really strikes me I know that that’s what I call my line. That’s what I’m going to build my story around. That’s the engine. I think the thing that I remember most is the thing that’s going to move people because that’s what moved me.” 

Staples tries her best to go against stereotypes among Black people and other minorities in regards to her stories. Staples said a lack of perception in regards to Black people can invalidate a story. 

“When I was at the Fortworth Star-Telegram there was a dog on the side of the freeway and people were trying to take care of it,” she said. “They were writing stories about this dog every day. The stories were going on the cover of the metro section. At the same time, there were Asian grocery store owners in Black communities shooting and killing Black customers. 

“I was writing the story about why that was happening and the fact that there weren’t many major grocery stores in Black communities. So, they [African Americans] were forced to go patronize these businesses. The stories that I was writing were being buried in the metro section. I was so frustrated and angry. I did not know what to do. Did I say anything? Yes, I did. Did it make a difference? No, it didn’t,” she said. 

Aside from her writing style, Staples’ personal childhood stories have connected with readers, gaining her column more attention and in some cases asking her to speak about her life at their churches. One story Staples recalled was how she found comfort in a toy monkey her sister bought her for Christmas one year after her mother passed. Staples was a teenager at the time.

“I was like a lot of kids when you lose a parent. I had my dad but he was not that responsible. I was just so afraid that I would never get another Christmas present as long as I lived,” Staples said. Staples’ sister, who was about six years older than her, assumed the maternal role and raised her siblings along with their paternal grandmother. 

“The first Christmas after my mother passed, my sister gave me a [toy] monkey. Way back when these stores used to give you stamps when you bought groceries. You could redeem the stamps for merchandise. My sister took these stamps and she got me this monkey,” Staples said. 

“This monkey became my Jehovah Girah. It was sort of like God would provide for me for the rest of my life. I wouldn’t have to worry about anything because He was in my life and He was going to make sure I had everything I needed,” she said. “That’s what He’s done. It was a reminder to me that God would provide. And when I tell you He has done that for me.”

With Staples’ tenure coming to a close, she’s most looking forward to not doing anything for the first two to three months. Among her lists of things to do includes reading and long walks with her husband. Travel plans made will have to be delayed due to the pandemic.

“It’s a little bit of a damper that we are in the middle of a pandemic because I really wanted to take off as soon as I retired and go on a long trip. My husband and I had planned a trip to Rome, Italy, Spain and we were going to go to Paris again,” she said. “But, it looks like that is going to be closer to summer or even the fall next year because of COVID. 

“I think I want to take swimming lessons because I was always afraid. When I was a little girl my oldest brother drowned saving one of our cousins. So I have always been afraid of trying to swim. I think I’ve gotten over that finally after like fifty years,” Staples said. 

Staples is also considering writing a book at the urging of her family. “I don’t know if I’m going to do that but I might. When I started to talk about my monkey, I almost started to cry again. I think there is something there that I need to say and get it out, ” she said. 

Staples ended the interview with some insightful words that have been a part of her career: 

“Whatever you do in the newsroom with your life, just be true to yourself. That’s really important. I will say don’t lose the best parts of yourself. There are things that will make you lose sight of what’s important,” she said. 

“When I first got into this business, it wasn’t my goal to try to save the world or make any changes because I didn’t believe that I could. But once I figured out that I could really do some good, I didn’t let anything get in the way of that,” Staples said. “Even if a story I told didn’t make a difference in the world as a whole, I was always proud to be able to give someone else a voice. Giving a voice to the voiceless is just as important as doing your part to change your little part of the world.”

Jamila Wood is a student at Clark Atlanta University.

Ida B. Wells’ descendant Tiana Ferrell talks her career, ancestor’s legacy 

By Kassidy Jack

Pioneering investigative journalist Ida B. Wells is most known for covering lynchings and as a founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the NAACP. 

Wells’ legacy lives on through the many Black journalists she’s inspired, including her great-great-granddaughter Tiana Ferrell. 

Ferrell, a writer and playwright, was inspired by Wells to pursue her own voice through writing and journalism. Inspired by her ancestor, Ferrell wrote The Ladies Car which depicts Wells as a young teacher fighting for equality in the segregated South.

AABJ’s television program In Contact interviewed Ferrell for a recent episode. Here is a portion of that interview where Ferrell talks about her career and Wells’ legacy: 

Q: You’re a descendant of Ida B. Wells Barnett. Can you talk to us about what impact she has had on you?

Tiana Ferrell: I was always very shy and timid growing up, even till this day. My family kept telling me about this heroin that I was related to. After reading her biography, I just felt this freedom fighter awaken in me. And that shy, little timid girl went away, and I was like, wow, I am destined for greatness. 

Q: I know over the last few years you have written several articles for different publications. Please talk about your experiences as a writer?

Tiana Ferrell: Well, I have always been told that I was a phenomenal writer by all of my teachers from high school and college. I actually attended Rust College, formerly called Shaw University, where Ida received her early childhood education. I remember my freshman year at Rust College, my English professor said, “I don’t give 100s because there’s no such thing as a perfect paper.” Well, I got a 100 on one of my writings and she helped me realize that writing was my gift. I was getting offers to write for different publications. I became a journalist, just like Ida. If someone had something to say, I was able to easily express it on paper.

Q: I understand Ida B. Wells was expelled from Rust College. Can you talk to us a little bit about that?

Tiana Ferrell: Oh, yeah. You know, when Ida B. Wells thought that something wasn’t right, she would tell you about it. No questions asked. She didn’t care what the consequences or repercussions were, she was going to let you know. And that was sort of the story of her life where she just got expelled and kicked out of different institutions that she was always working with. And I remember in college, somebody said to me, “Oh, you’re related to Ida B. Wells, she was such a troublemaker.” I said, “If you consider Ida B. Wells a troublemaker, then I too want to make trouble.” 

Q: The Ladies Car was the first play that you wrote. Can you share what led you to write the play?

Tiana Ferrell: Absolutely. I was speaking to my best friend, Kim and I told her I wanted to write a play, but I didn’t know what it was going to be about. And then I hear, Ida B. Wells say, “Me.” I just kept thinking about it and decided to base the play on the story of the lady’s car. I started rereading Ida’s diary, and her autobiography, and I kept interviewing my grandmother and just trying to channel Ida. I wanted it to be entertaining and educating, but I also wanted to make Ida human. It was very special for me, debuting The Ladies Car in Ida’s hometown of Holly Springs, Mississippi. The natives came to me after the show and said, “Tiana, I did not know about the lady’s car.” It just validated my reason for bringing it to the stage.

Q: With the civil unrest in this country and the deaths of Black people at the hands of officers can you share your thoughts about the protests? 

Tiana Ferrell: I think that the protests were at a point where no one was hearing our cry. We were asking for a seat at the table, asking for a conversation and nobody was picking up. So, the protest was a demand. No one was talking about the cause until somebody threw a brick through the window. And this isn’t anything new. We saw this with Rodney King. But this time, it happened at this point in our nation’s history where the administration that we have was pouring fuel and gasoline to the fire of the race relations that we have in this country, in addition to the pandemic that was going on.

Ferrell can be reached on Instagram and Twitter at Tiana Ferrell. She is also available on Facebook. You can keep up with Ferrell and her work at tianaferrell.com. 

 Kassidy Jack is a writer for The Byline and a student at Clark Atlanta University.

This issue of The Byline was edited by Raisa Habersham and Tiana Faulkner.

THE BYLINE 03/2020

Former CNN producer reflects on her career and being theonly Black woman in newsrooms

By Tenisha Taylor

As a young girl, I always wanted to own my own radio station, WTNT –

Dynamite. I always had something to say, and with the initials, TNT (Tenisha Nicole Taylor), I figured whatever I decided to do in life had to be dynamite.

While the dream of owning WTNT radio never came to fruition, the reality of working in media did. At 16, I dipped my toes in the industry when I became a typesetter for The Chicago Citizen, one of Chicago’s two Black newspapers at the time. After being immersed in black newsroom culture for a summer, I was hooked on media. I followed publisher Bill Garth to meetings, luncheons and business functions, taking copious notes. I shadowed managing editor Lisa Ely ad nauseum, learning everything I could about reporting and the journalism business. By the time I was a high school senior, I was writing stories for the paper, covering stories affecting Black communities. Working for the Black press carried a sense of pride; it was a badge of honor. 

Unfortunately, in my naivety, I thought that every newsroom cared about Black voices and stories. After college and starting my first job, I quickly realized the world was different.  At The Citizen, everyone was Black and championed Black culture. In my new world, I was often the only Black woman in the newsroom — and the only one who cared about our stories. I eventually became the woman who only pitched Black stories. The comfortable, supportive Citizen newsroom wasn’t representative of what I would experience. While I am grateful it solidified my presence as a Black woman journalist, I had to readjust my thinking if I wanted to survive as an African-American woman in this industry. 

As my career progressed, I often carried the burden of being the lone Black person and pitching our stories without being pigeonholed. It was, and is, a delicate balance. Once I transitioned into management, I was careful not to show favoritism. But with time, I learned favoritism was how some races ensured their friends succeeded. Black women in media must play by a different set of rules; there needs to be a class taught about them. A Black woman can’t be too passionate about a story, or she’ll be labeled aggressive. On top of that, black women work twice as hard to earn half the respect. 

Many Black women journalists carry the weight of representing their race and culture to the highest standard. How you dress, how you rock your hair, what you say, how early you arrive, how late you stay, who you support and promote — these all factor into how you are viewed in a newsroom. And with all that pressure, Black women are still not paid their worth. Black women make .61 cents for every $1 white men make.

Despite the challenges, I found that being true to myself was important. Yes, it cost me some battles but it didn’t cost me my inner peace. I vowed to fight on behalf of Black people who needed an advocate in the newsroom. I vowed to push for stories that were important to Black people and to treat people with dignity and respect. 

After 16 years in newsrooms, I am pleased with myself and the work I accomplished. When I reflect on my newsroom career, I am confident the little girl who wanted to own WTNT radio, not only had something to say but used her voice to help other Black people in journalism. 

Tenisha Taylor is a PR consultant, former CNN producer and served as AABJ President from 2010 to 2014.

Books You Should Read by Black Women Journalists

By Alexis Grace

In honor of Women’s History Month, AABJ is highlighting Black women journalists who have had an impact on the industry. One way to honor them is to read books written by some of these incredible women. Here are just a few books you should check out if you’re looking for some inspiration:

More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) by Elaine Welteroth 

In 2017, Elaine Welteroth made history when she became the first black editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue. A year after leaving the monthly magazine, Welteroth became a New York Times Bestselling author with her book, “More Than Enough,” – a memoir for anyone who has ever felt “othered, overlooked, underestimated, undervalued, and still chooses greatness.” In the book, Welteroth discusses life lessons and breaking barriers while being the only black woman in the room. Readers are reminded they are more than enough despite their challenges. The book will help you face inner conflicts and build confidence.

The Light of Truth: Writings of an Anti-Lynching Crusader by Ida B. Wells

Journalism pioneer Ida B. Wells once said: “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” For Wells, that meant exposing the horrors of lynching. “The Light of Truth,” includes a broad assortment of Wells’ articles and discusses her journalism career and experiences while traveling abroad. Wells’ book also addresses her anti-lynching reporting. Her impact has made a  lasting impression, with the creation of the Ida B. Wells Society, an organization dedicated to training investigative journalists of color. The National Association of Black Journalists also gives an annual, prestigious award in her honor. 

Note to Self: Inspiring Words From Inspiring People by Gayle King 

TV personality and CBS This Morning co-host Gayle King gathered her favorite letters of inspiration from a popular CBS This Morning segment and put them all in one place. Her book, “Note to Self,” includes encouraging messages and advice to the author’s younger self. The book provides a sense of appreciation for who the authors once were and who they are today. The New York Times bestseller includes essays from well-known figures like entrepreneur and former television talk show host Oprah Winfrey and the late, esteemed poet Maya Angelou. King’s book is excellent for anyone struggling with growing pains and can be uplifting for those who need a quick boost to their day. These tender words are also great for self-reflection.

Alexis Grace is a senior at Clark Atlanta University. She is also president of the school’s NABJ-CAU chapter. 

FEATURE STORY: Errin Haines talks new online news nonprofit The 19th

By Darriea Clark

Errin Haines colored her journalism career with discussions and reports of race and ethnicity. The former Associated Press newswoman, got her bearings at Atlanta Daily Word, a black newspaper in the city. Haines, a former National Association of Black Journalists Vice President of Print, credits the newspaper for helping her realize she wanted to cover black communities. Now, the proud Atlanta native serves at editor-at-large for The 19^th, a national news nonprofit focused on women issues. Haines spoke with Byline reporter Darriea Clark about the latest venture, NABJ and what readers can expect.

DC: How did you get involved in journalism and how did segue into political journalism?

EH: I got involved with journalism when I was a sophomore in college. My school paper wasn’t that great. I didn’t really see that as being a stepping stone to making a career out of [journalism]. I was looking through Creative Loafing, saw an ad for an AABJ meeting. So, I went, introduced myself and everyone embraced me and was helpful. One of my friends in the student chapter referred me to The Atlanta Daily World. The day I walked in was the day they got me started. They gave me my first article, and I stayed. I eventually worked there for year covering all aspects of black life in Atlanta.

I got into covering politics during the 2008 election during Barack Obama’s historic candidacy and then presidency. Atlanta has a very storied past around issues of race: Martin Luther King Jr. obviously being from here, John Lewis being such a living icon, Andrew Young — they were all her. They were people I talked to about building a legacy from their efforts. The fruition of that embodied this historic presidency. I was drawn to politics for that reason and covering that black electorate out of the South which was pivotal in his nomination and election. From that point, I wanted to get a deeper understanding of politics.

DC: You are the first and only reporter for the 19th news until others are hired. How have your previous positions prepared you for the demand of the role? 

EH: Working at the AP taught me a couple of things. First, metabolism. I was constantly having to think and write about [this topic] for a national audience. My stories have run in The New York Times and The Washington Post. They’ve also run in small newspapers in the middle of the country — places where they may have not had black or brown journalists who were going to write about these issues. That’s one avenue that has led me to where I am now.

My involvement as a member and in leadership with NABJ has prepared me for this role, because I’ve had to think about representation and why that matters in journalism, mainly around issues of race. NABJ is about creating the types of newsrooms that more accurately reflect our society, and we know we’re not there yet. At the 19th, we absolutely want to create a newsroom that is reflective of both the fact that black and brown people are soon to become the majority in this country and that women are already the majority of the electorate population.

DC: In what ways are the world ready for a platform like the 19th news, and what ways are they not?

EH: [The 19th’s] assertion is that this platform is overdue. We are certainly feeling that sense of urgency as we have been out for the past month. We’re hearing from so many women. On the campaign trail, people are coming up to me and saying how excited they are that we have launched. Like I said before, women are more than half the electorate, yet in politics, women are discussed as a special interest group. I say to people all the time, “All issues are women’s issues.” That’s whether you’re talking about the economy, or education, or healthcare, you name it.

DC: There are a lot of women who feel like their voices aren’t being heard or their stories are being told. How do you plan on approaching those people who may not tap into the traditional news articles? 

EH: Trying to meet women where they are. We’re doing listening tours as part of a soft launch in multiple cities across the country. Going to women, listening to them, asking them: “What are the issues you most care about? What is the coverage that you want to see in the 19th?” It’s something that we want people to take ownership of, it’s a conversation we’re trying to start. We’re not just telling you what it means to be a woman engaged in politics. We want to engage with those women. And so, there will be those listening tours. We are going to do live events, because it’s important to be in conversation with women about the journalism and about these issues that we’re trying to raise through the journalism.

DC: How can newsrooms begin to make a more conscious shift toward diverse journalists?

EH: It has to be deliberate. I believe in our mission and I believe in our mission. I did feel like it was necessary to have the conversations we wanted to start. We had to build something new, but that’s not to say that media organizations should not be doing better in terms of race and gender. Our goal is equity. That is something we get to think about [everyday] and we build this.

DC: How will you define success in this venture? When will you be satisfied with the work and the mission? 

 EH: That’s a good question. Were the women who worked to ratify the 19th amendment satisfied what that amendment was passed? Was Shirley Chisholm satisfied when she ran for president and made history although she didn’t win? I want to continue in my job as a black person and as a woman and push the democracy forward as much as I can in the time that I’m here to do that job. Success to me looks like forward progress every single day. I think about the women and the people of color who came before me who did not necessarily see the victory or the “finish line” in their lifetime but did their efforts got people that much closer to where they need to be. Ida B Wells was certainly successful, even though she was not able to stop lynching in America. Success looks like for me and the 19th for us to do our part to change the conversation as much as we can and to the extent that we can while we are here. In a lot of ways, our being here and our existence tells me that we’ve already won.

DC: The 19th is launching, and then you’re going on a tour in April. What’s next for the nonprofit? 

 EH: A listening tour, the primary election, ramping up our hiring, and then we’re heading into the summer, the convention. We’re having an eventual nominee against our president, and then it’s on to the general election. We are obviously very much invested in honoring, marking the anniversary of the 19th amendment. You can stay tuned on our details to commemorate that. We are definitely growing, fundraising, committing to journalism, and trying to change this conversation every day.

Darriea Clark is an AABJ member and recent graduate of Syracuse University. This article was edited for length and clarity.