The Digital Equity Local Voices Lab, a new program powered by Comcast NBCUniversal, will house journalists at 16 Black and LGBTQ serving news blogs across the country, according to Philadelphia News is Out and Word in Black. The class will receive the training and tools needed to tell stories about disadvantaged populations through media and technology during the year-long fellowship, and they will also be able to honor the efforts of Black and LGBTQ leaders in their neighborhoods.
“Through Project UP, we are proud to donate $1 million to launch this unique, first-of-its-kind program that will support coverage of Black and LGBTQ+ topics in the media as well as emerging journalists with a passion for reporting on issues of importance to these communities,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, executive vice president and chief diversity officer, Comcast Corporation and president, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation.
According to Mark Segal, the leader of the Philadelphia Gay News and a part of News is Out, “Comcast is one of the earliest business leaders in LGBTQ+ participation, so it should come as no surprise that they understand the value of native LGBTQ+ advertising.” Their support of our growth even goes toward shaping the future of LGBTQ+ and intersectional press.”
The colleagues will learn best techniques, tips, and guidance from reporters and media practitioners at News is Out, Word in Black, and NBCUniversal. Additionally, they may share the stories of Black and LGBTQ entrepreneurs and creatives in their communities, provide education and resources for using technology more effectively in their everyday lives, update on legislation relating to industrial access and connectivity, and discuss the progress being made in advancing online equity.
“I am excited to be a part of a fellowship that is specifically geared toward the promotion of diversity, inclusivity, and intersectionality,” said Davi B. Ulloa-Estrada, News is Out and Philadelphia Gay News fellow. “I look forward to taking part in this project because we are lacking in such important and unique perspectives on global issues.”
Jada Ingleton, a fellow writer for Word In Black and Washington Informer, said, “This fellowship program is the epitome of what journalism means to me. It uses innovation and creativity to inspire a passion for multimedia storytelling and elevate the voice and perspective of the overlooked.” Knowing that I will be able to tell stories that can change people and change their lives in the same way that generations of journalists have impacted mine means a lot.”
The Local Media Foundation oversees the fellowship and lab, as well as facilitating content creation for the 16 publishers, Comcast NBCUniversal, and NBCU Academy. Both the collaboratives Word In Black and News is Out were created by LMF.
The 16 fellows are:
- Megan Sayles (Baltimore)
- Menra Mapfumo (Atlanta)
- J. L. Odom (San Francisco)
- Melissa Whitler (Dallas)
- Marlissa Collier (Dallas)
- ReShonda Tate (Houston)
- Ebony “JJ” Curry (Detroit)
- Leah Mallory (New York City)
- Davi B. Ulloa-Estrada (Philadelphia)
- Christine Shelby (Sacramento)
- Kira Doyle (Seattle)
- Devored Horton (St. Louis)
- F. Victoria Vega (National)
- Henry Carnell (Washington, D.C.)
- Jada Ingleton (Washington, D.C.)
- Lu Calzada (Chicago)
In February, the three organizations announced the launch of The Digital Equity Local Voices Lab and the application period. The Lab is part of Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to connect people to the Internet and advance digital equity and economic mobility through programs and community partnerships that open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky.
— from staff reports
