Save the Date: Nov. 24 for How Trump Has Affected Newsroom Diversity — and What We Can Do About It
Congrats to Washington Association of Black Journalists
. . . . And to Its President, Phil Lewis
McClatchy Closing D.C. Bureau; Some to Leave Company
Ousted Student Journos Win Right to Cover Immigration Court
Jamaica Lists Drop-Off Points Where We Can Aid Recovery
Journalists and Distress: Supporting Colleagues, Helping Youth
Nov. 13: Cracking Open Cold Cases with Jerry Mitchell
Through Dec. 1: Gordon Parks Exhibit on Black Spirituality
A Glimpse Into Race Relations in Lincoln’s White House
Columbia J-School Hangs Its First Photo of a Black Alum
Dec. 15 Deadline for Prize Honoring Stories About the Underserved
From D.C.’s Politics and Prose
History of Black Bookstores — Now at the Library
Richard Prince Is Guest on N.Y.’s ‘Media Watch’
JOBS
From these journalist organizations
From The Uproot Project
From Editor & Publisher/Media Job Board
From Online News Association
From Investigative Reporters & Editors (Oct. 16)
From Press Forward
From Minnesota Public Radio
From Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting
Dr. Sheila Brooks National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Entrepreneur Scholarship
From LinkedIn
From Indeed, via Todd Steven Burroughs
Homepage cartoon by Mike Luckovich/Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Credit: The Wrap
Notices 11-7-25
The headlines tell the story:
“Media Went All-In on Diversity. Now It’s in Full Retreat” (The Wrap), “From reckoning to retreat: Journalism’s DEI efforts are in decline” (Nieman Lab), “Journalism Diversity Groups Meet With NBC Leadership Over DEI Coverage Cuts: ‘A Step Back’ ” (The Wrap)
And in Journal-isms, “NABJ Hears From Laid-Off Producer of Viral Video”, “Massive Layoffs at Paramount Hit CBS, BET” “NBC Diversity ‘Verticals’ Hit Hard as 150 Laid Off”, “Skydance Trashes DEI and Wins OK for Merger.”
The Washington Post has lost Black opinion writers and has replaced some with white conservatives. The Los Angeles Times has moved in that direction as well.
Our next Journal-isms Roundtable, “How Trump Has Affected Newsroom Diversity – and What We Can Do About It” takes place Monday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. Eastern by Zoom. We expect to stream it on Facebook.
[ Nov. 20 update: Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, and Tara Murray, executive director of the Washington Bureau and senior vice president for policy and advocacy, are joining our discussion Monday of “How Trump Has Affected Newsroom Diversity — and What We Can Do About It.”
[Marc has been with us before, most notably when we discussed “How to counter the assault on diversity, equity and inclusion” in April 2024. < https://www.journal-isms.com/ready-to-call-out-backsliders-on-dei/ >.
[But most significantly, earlier in the year, he convened a coalition of diversity advocates, and in May, invited the National Association of Black Journalists and National Newspaper Publishers Association, trade group for the Black press, to join. < https://www.journal-isms.com/diversity-allies-want-black-press-nabj-to-join/ >]
Our panelists so far:
- Mary Cavallaro, chief broadcast officer, news & broadcast, SAG-AFTRA
- Errin Haines, president, National Association of Black Journalists
- Martin G. Reynolds, co-executive director, Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education
- Jon Scheuss, president of The NewsGuild-CWA, or a representative
And other authoritative voices “in the room,” such as:
- Larry Goldbetter, president, National Writers Union
- Caroline Hendrie, executive director, Society of Professional Journalists
- David Honig, president emeritus and founder, Multicultural Media, Telecom & Internet Council, which fights for broadcast ownership by people of color.
- Diana R Fuentes, executive director, Investigative Reporters & Editors
- Tracie Powell, CEO, The Pivot Fund https://thepivotfund.org/
- Kat Stafford, global race and justice editor, Reuters (updated Nov. 18)
In addition, we will toast Mia Moody, PhD., (pictured) of Baylor University, winner of the 2025 Barry Bingham Sr. fellowship award for an educator advancing diversity in journalism. This is the first year the award has been under Journal-isms’ stewardship.
Who’s in?
You may RSVP by hitting “reply” to this email or sending a note to jroundtable5 (at) gmail.com
Zoom information comes after RSVPs.
Congrats to Washington Association of Black Journalists
“WABJ is deeply grateful for the incredible support of our new and returning sponsors, partners, and guests who continue to make this celebration possible. Your commitment helps us honor trailblazers in media and empower the next generation of journalists through our scholarship fund,” the group says of Saturday’s event.
“While ticket and table sales have closed, we continue to welcome sponsors and partners who support our mission. Please email info@wabjdc.org for more information.” The event is sold out, with 320 guests expected, President Phil Lewis said. Ticket prices started at $150.
Separately, WABJ is co-sponsoring a State of Black Media Panel on Nov. 13, “a thought-provoking event focused on discussing the current landscape and future of Black media. The panel aims to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by Black media professionals in today’s dynamic environment.”
. . . . And to Its President, Phil Lewis
Phil Lewis, a deputy editor at HuffPost, author of the “What I’m Reading” newsletter and president of the Washington Association of Black Journalists, was celebrated Wednesday at a gala honoring the “Ebony Power 100,” who also included Errin Haines, president of the National Association of Black Journalists, and Vladimir Duthiers of CBS News.
Lewis wrote on LinkedIn, “To be recognized by a magazine my grandparents and parents would display in the home is an incredible feeling.
“During the dinner, I was particularly inspired by a tribute to John H. Johnson, the magazine’s founder, who created EBONY in a time when Black representation in media was extremely limited. In the beginning, he faced intense pushback from advertisers who didn’t see the value in our stories.
“In 2025, we are facing a similar challenge: newsrooms and media companies are cutting race and ethnicity coverage, eliminating teams dedicated to that work, and laying off talented Black reporters, writers and editors.
“80 years ago, Johnson found a way to press forward and didn’t wait for permission. There are lessons in his story that are applicable today.”
“Change is never easy, but it’s how we secure the future of local journalism,” Greg Farmer, McClatchy’s executive vice president of local news, wrote staffers. “It’s a fight we must win.”
McClatchy Closing D.C. Bureau; Some to Leave Company
“On Monday morning, staffers across McClatchy’s real-time news desk received an unexpected invitation to a hastily arranged Zoom meeting at noon. The calendar invite was vague, referring only in general terms to a restructuring update. The team wasn’t too taken aback by it; they knew change was coming. But they didn’t anticipate what awaited them when they logged on,” Oliver Darcy wrote Monday his subscription-only Status newsletter.
“When the journalists on the nearly two dozen-strong team joined the call, they were hit with stunning news: McClatchy was eliminating the entire real-time news operation, which effectively operated as its national breaking news desk. The announcement left the team reeling. Their employment, they were told, would end on November 14.
” ‘We were not expecting for the team to be cut,’ one impacted staffer told Status. ‘The real-time desk wasn’t the only casualty in the latest round of layoffs sweeping through the storied newspaper company behind The Miami Herald, Sacramento Bee, and Charlotte Observer, affecting dozens of employees.
“Status has learned that McClatchy also informed its Washington, D.C.-based team that it’s bureau will be shuttered. The move means the company will no longer employ reporters dedicated to covering Congress and the White House and withdraw from the White House pool where it has been a longtime member.
“Elsewhere in the organization, the audience engagement team was also hit, though the extent of those cuts remains unclear. “A McClatchy spokesperson did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
“But soon after the various Zoom meetings concluded, Greg Farmer (pictured), McClatchy’s executive vice president of local news, sent a memo to staff announcing the company was taking ‘important steps to better align’ its mission around ‘serving local readers across our 30 markets.’ In other words, McClatchy is retreating from national coverage to concentrate its shrinking resources on local journalism. . . .
“ ‘As part of these changes, some colleagues will be leaving the company,” Farmer acknowledged in the memo obtained by Status.”
Meanwhile, Alex Mena (pictured), whose promotion to executive editor of the Miami Herald we toasted at our Aug. 20, 2023, Roundtable, has been given the additional title of senior vice president of local news for all of McClatchy. He will be working under Farmer, who previously held the senior v.p. title.
The immigration court in Hyattsville, Md., where an official said two student reporters wouldn’t be allowed in without “clearance” from the Executive Office for Immigration Review, which sets policies for immigration courts across the country. Then the students became caught up in red tape. (Credit: Sam Gauntt/Capital News Service)
Ousted Student Journos Win Right to Cover Immigration Court
On Oct. 28, two reporters from Capital News Service — “a student-powered news organization run by the University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism} — were ousted from immigration court.
“It was an incident that drew national attention — and condemnation from advocates for press freedom and for people concerned about immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
“Now, three days after our reporters were removed by local officials in Hyattsville, they’ve been welcomed back by higher-ranking federal officials,.” reads an editor’s note over a story by Haley Parsley.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Michael Holness writes under this video, posted Sunday, “We have launched the Government of Jamaica’s official platform to coordinate relief, mobilize support, and manage recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa: supportjamaica.gov.jm The site allows users to donate securely, submit pledges, report emergencies, and locate nearby shelters. It is designed to serve Jamaicans at home and abroad who wish to assist with national recovery efforts. . . .” Others are encouraged to donate as well. (Credit: YouTube)
Jamaica Lists Drop-Off Points Where We Can Aid Recovery
“We are pleased to share an updated list of official drop-off locations across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, Atlanta, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, where relief items can be delivered to support recovery efforts,” the Jamaican Embassy in Washington announced this week. The list is updated on the embassy’s Instagram page.
“The Silver Spring Civic Center will act as the Embassy’s official drop off point,” the message says, referring to the D.C. suburb. “If you are interested in volunteering to help sort and pack items, please fill out the form in our bio.” It also lists the items most needed.
Journalists and Distress: Supporting Colleagues, Helping Youth
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“Journalism resilience program: The Media Resilience Network is launching a new certification and recruitment program to train coaches and counselors who support journalists in distress,” the American Press Institute reports. “The course runs Nov. 4 through Dec. 9, with weekly two-hour sessions on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. ET. Participants will develop skills to provide empathetic, effective care to members of the press facing crisis. Certification is awarded upon completion of 80% of sessions.”
- “HEAL fellowship application 2025: The Solutions Journalism Network is accepting applications through Nov. 17 for the 2025–26 HEAL Fellowship, supporting U.S. journalists reporting on youth mental health. Ten fellows will receive up to $5,000 and yearlong support to produce solutions-focused stories addressing mental health issues such as anxiety, trauma, racism and loneliness. Projects should expand access for young audiences, assess impact and share lessons with the field. The fellowship includes professional development, peer support and monthly cohort calls. Onboarding begins Nov. 24, with the kickoff call set for Tuesday, Dec. 2.”
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Nov. 13: Cracking Open Cold Cases with Jerry Mitchell
Via Zoom: “Join Sunlight Research Center and award-winning investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell for a practical workshop on reopening and reporting on cold cases, and finding the truth buried in decades-old evidence.” He is pictured at our February 2020 Roundtable with Judy Richardson of the SNCC Legacy Project. (Credit: Bonita Bing for Tolbert and Bing studios)Nov 13, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
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“Gather and analyze law enforcement files, court documents, and investigative records.
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“Reconnect with victims’ families, friends, and witnesses — and earn their trust to uncover new details.
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“Request and organize personal materials like photographs, journals, and letters that can shed new light on old crimes.
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“Approach and interview suspects or persons of interest ethically and effectively.”
Featured photographs in the “Temples of Hope, Rituals of Survival: Gordon Parks and Black Religious Life” exhibition at the Howard Museum in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Jada Simone)
Through Dec. 1: Gordon Parks Exhibit on Black Spirituality
““A new exhibition of the work of Gordon Parks, a photographer renowned for documenting African American life, turns its focus on Parks’ exploration of Black religion and spirituality,” Adele M. Banks writes for Religion News Service.
“The exhibition, which runs through Dec. 1, is a collaboration between the Gordon Parks Foundation and Howard, whose Moorland-Spingarn Research Center acquired a collection of 244 of Parks’ photos from the foundation in 2022. . . .”
A Glimpse Into Race Relations in Lincoln’s White House
You have to go to Springfield, Ill., to see it, but the Associated Press reported Thursday about a short, handwritten note that gives us a glimpse into race relations at the White House in the 19th century. 
It was “a typical letter of reference for a man seeking a job,” the AP’s John O’Connor wrote. “But the author is the president of the United States.
“It is also 1861, and the job seeker is a Black man. “Abraham Lincoln penned the entreaty on behalf of his young friend, William Johnson, because ironically, his dark complexion caused freed Black White House staffers with lighter skin to shun him.
“ ‘The difference of color between him and the other servants is the cause of our separation,’ Lincoln wrote in the March 16, 1861, letter that private collector Peter Tuite donated in August to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, where it is now on public display. The letter’s recipient, Navy Secretary Gideon Welles, reported he had no position available.
“For a president in the mid-19th century to show such personal concern for a Black man’s welfare is astounding. But consider that Lincoln was fewer than two weeks removed from his inauguration, taking over a country rent by secession, on the brink of a bloody Civil War. . . .
“Lincoln referred to the then-28-year-old Johnson in letters as a ‘colored boy.’ But the individual favor he bestowed on Johnson was characteristic of the Great Emancipator, said James Conroy, a retired Massachusetts attorney and historian whose books include a survey of Lincoln’s White House. Lincoln treated the White House staff, largely made up of freed African Americans, with respect.
“In a separate article on the subject, Conroy wrote that Lincoln never demanded service but asked staffers politely ‘and let them bear no hardship he could lift.'”
Lincoln found Johnson a job at the Treasury Department.
At least two of our Journal-isms Roundtable guests have written about the early African American presence in the White House.
Jesse J. Holland, now at George Washington University, wrote “THE INVISIBLES: The Untold Story of African American Slaves in the White House,” and Mustafa Ali, who spoke with us about environmental justice, wrote this week under this headline by Word In Black, “Black Hands That Built the White House: As Trump tears down the East Wing, the ghosts of those who built the White House rise again — a reminder that America’s beauty has always been built by Black hands, often bound but never broken.”
Dorothy M. Davis, third from right, wrote, “I invited my friends to witness this historic moment. Sandra Long Weaver, [Co-] Founder of the National Association of Black Journalists [third from left], photographer Bob Gore [at right] and Richard Grosbard, Advisor to the Muus Collection, who took this group photo.”
Columbia J-School Hangs Its First Photo of a Black Alum
“History was made yesterday at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism!” Dorothy M. Davis, who has joined our Journal-isms Roundtables, wrote last month on LinkedIn.
“Our father’s (Griff Davis) photograph of him holding an issue of Ebony with Langston Hughes now hangs outside of Dean Jelani Cobb’s office on the 7th floor of the School. It fits into the theme of the floor by showcasing the tools of journalism: ie. my Dad wearing his camera and the Ebony magazine.
“It is not only an honor for our family but it is historic for the alumni and institution. It is the first photograph of an African American student, alumnus or faculty member at the J School hanging on the walls of the most important floor in the building and, by extension, in the journalism industry.
“Our Dad was the only African American student in the Class of 1949 at the recommendation of Langston Hughes. At the time, Columbia Journalism School only accepted one African American student per academic year. . . . .”
Davis is a 1977 Columbia J-School grad. At our July Roundtable on “What Blacks Around the World Have in Common — and Don’t,” she said, “I am the Inaugural United Nations Representative of the Congressional Black Caucus Institute Global African Diaspora Initiative. . . . We align with the Global African Diaspora and beyond to reach the common goals on issues of racial justice, climate justice, gender justice, etc.”
Dec. 15 Deadline for Prize Honoring Stories About Underserved
“The Shaufler Prize in Journalism is the premier contest recognizing the best journalism in the country advancing the understanding of issues related to underserved people in society, such as communities of color, immigrants, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and those with disabilities,” says Arizona State University.
“Ed Shaufler, who died in late 2020, cared deeply about promoting understanding of underrepresented people. Paul B. Anderson, principal and CEO of Workhouse Media, established the prize with the Cronkite School to honor his late friend. ‘Ed was a great observer of human behavior, both individually and in groups,’ says Anderson. ‘He and I spent years just talking about journalism and stories and society. Ed loved that intellectual engagement around journalism, and I thought we should put his name to something that may have immediate and lasting impact for a journalist.’
“The 2025 Shaufler Prize submission form is NOW OPEN. The application deadline is Monday, December 15, 2025.”
From D.C.’s Politics and Prose
“Race in America Panel with April Ryan, Nikole Hannah-Jones, and Don Lemon at Connecticut Ave NW.
“Can’t attend? Click HERE to join the livestream.
“This event is free with first come, first served seating.”
“Rep. Jim Clyburn with Norman Ornstein The First Eight: A Personal History of the Pioneering Black Congressmen Who Shaped a Nation at GWU Betts Theatre “From one of America’s most venerable politicians, The First Eight is an extraordinary work of living history: the powerful, untold story of the pioneering Black politicians from South Carolina who were elected to Congress in the aftermath of the Civil War, and a revealing explanation of why it took nearly a century before the ninth, James Clyburn, was elected. . . .”
“ONLINE CLASS: The Life of Harriet Tubman: Reading Combee
“Three Tuesdays: November 11, 18, and 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET Online Using Edda Fields-Black’s Pulitzer-winning Combee, join Sandra Jowers-Barber for a powerful reexamination of Tubman’s impact and the enduring legacy.”
History of Black Bookstores — Now at the Library
From the Arlington, Va., public library on its new book arrivals: “In 1834, David Ruggles opened the first Black bookstore in the U.S., selling abolitionist literature and creating a place for Black people to gather and learn. It’s a template many Black bookstores to come would follow, despite harassment from the FBI and IRS, racism, gentrification and a shifting publishing marketplace. ‘Black-Owned’ by Char Adams traces the history of the Black bookstore and the role those bookstores have played in their communities.” Adams has written for NBC BLK, The New York Times, People, The New Republic, Teen Vogue and others.
Richard Prince Is Guest on N.Y.’s ‘Media Watch’
JOBS
From these journalist organizations
From The Uproot Project
Job Opportunities
- National Geographic, Editorial Specialist
- The Transmitter, Science Reporting Intern
- Grist, Regional Reporter, Interlochen
- The Seattle Times, Climate Reporter
- Canary Media, Copy and Production Editor
Fellowships & Grants
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Audubon Magazine, Editorial Fellow
Other resources
- NPR, Next Gen Radio
- Calendar for paid internships & fellowships (courtesy of Mandy Hofmockel’s substack for journalism jobs)
- National Press Photographers Foundation, Grants & Scholarships
- Pitching Science Friday
- ProPublica, Freelance Pitch Form
From Rebecca Aguilar:
Journalism Job Openings: The November List
“Calling all journalists! More than 100 jobs in journalism are listed in my November newsletter. And I have also included several internships.
“Make sure you look over my October list, because not all those jobs have been filled. Thank you to all of you generous people who contributed a job opening to the list. I appreciate you.
“I appreciate the “likes” on my post, but I would rather you REPOST to get the information to those in your network who need work. If you happen to know of a job opening, please post it in the comments or DM me, and I will add it to this list and update it. . . .”
From Editor & Publisher/Media Job Board
Reporters in Residence (Winter 2026) – San Francisco, CA (94105)Note: This employer is open to candidates who want to work remote. About Omidyar …
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Lead business reporter – Memphis, TN (38117)The Daily Memphian is seeking a veteran business reporter to join our team. Candidates …
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News and Engagement Editor – Northampton, MA (01060)The Daily Hampshire Gazette seeks an experienced opinion page and local news editor to …
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Deputy Editor, Investigations – San Diego, CA (92101)Deputy Editor, Investigations – Job Posting inewsource is an award-winning …
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Chief Executive Officer & President – SPRINGFIELD, IL (62704)Chief Executive Officer & President Illinois Press Association (IPA) Location: …
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From Online News Association
ONA’s Career Center is an excellent resource for jobs, fellowships and internships in digital journalism. Recent postings include:
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- Executive Director, Wisconsin Public Media, University of Wisconsin-Madison NEW!
- Executive Director, Overseas Press Club of America NEW!
- Director of Digital Growth, New York Focus NEW!
- Reporter/Producer, Tradeoffs NEW!
- Engagement Reporter (Hawaii island), Honolulu Civil Beat NEW!
- Kauai Reporter, Honolulu Civil Beat NEW!
- Growth and Development Reporter, The Austin Current
- Chief Content Officer/News Director, WAMC
- Howard G. Buffett Foundation Visiting Professor of Visual Journalism, Arizona State University
- Physics Editor, Quanta Magazine, Simons Foundation
- Science Reporting Intern, The Transmitter, Simons Foundation
- Senior Reporter, State Issues, NC Local
- Digital Engagement Producer, NC Local
- Senior Digital Editor, GB
- Accountant II, University of Florida
- Education Reporter, Austin Local Newsroom, The Texas Tribune
- Professor/Knight Chair in Journalism and Technology, University of Florida
- Newsroom Cohort Manager, University of California, Berkeley
- Managing Editor, Texas Public Radio
- Assistant Professor, Journalism, University of New Hampshire
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From Investigative Reporters & Editors (Oct. 16):
| We’re hiring for two open roles! |
| Training Director
IRE is looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to join our training team. The person in this two-year position will organize and conduct IRE training, including data journalism bootcamps, customized newsroom training, regional workshops and more. Get details and apply. Program Coordinator IRE is seeking a detail-oriented professional to effectively manage and oversee various programs and initiatives within the organization. This position is based in Columbia, MO. Get details and apply. |
From Press Forward
“Press Forward is now seeking a Chief Development Officer to lead a five-year, $250 million development campaign to ensure the movement’s growth and sustainability.
“Press Forward is anchored by The Miami Foundation, a trusted institution that since 1967 has invested more than $770 million in strengthening communities and today manages more than $570 million in philanthropic assets. The Foundation provides the civic and financial backbone that bolsters this fast-growing national coalition. Press Forward staff are employees of the Foundation.”
From Minnesota Public Radio:
“Friends, We’re hiring for a wide variety of roles. Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media Group isn’t in the fetal position; we’re too busy creating the future of public media. The MPR Newsroom is seeking a managing editor as well as a couple of deputy managing editor roles (one for culture and community, the other for investigative journalism). In all, we have more than two dozen positions we’re filling. Take a look at whether you or someone in your network might be a good fit. Please spread the word. These are great opportunities to do meaningful work in an ambitious, creative organization committed to building healthier communities. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ghbHPjaP ” —
From Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting
“The Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting is proud to announce that it will partner with news organizations across the country to offer investigative reporting internships to collegiate journalists and recent college graduates during the summer of 2026.”
Dr. Sheila Brooks National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Entrepreneur Scholarship
“Supporting the next generation of communicators has always been close to my heart. The Dr. Sheila Brooks National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Entrepreneur Scholarship honors that mission by helping graduate students pursue their goals in media, marketing and communications.
“This $2,500 award reflects a commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and the power of diverse voices in shaping the future of our industry.”
“Application deadline: Monday, Nov. 17, 2025
“Applicants must be NABJ members. Join here: https://lnkd.in/eNFgpvzY “– Sheila Brooks
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From Indeed, via Todd Steven Burroughs
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