Five journalism and mass communications students attended a two-day conference in Atlanta focused on empowering the next generation of HBCU journalists by providing access to industry leaders, hands-on training and groundbreaking discussions on the future of media.
âThe conference opened my eyes to the real grind behind the scenes in this field. It was a wake-up call in the best way possible, a reminder of how much dedication itâll take to truly stand out,â said Kyla Chandler, a junior.
Chandler also stated. âNow more than ever, Iâm motivated to lock in, sharpen my skills and start building the creative future I envision.â
Left to right:Â Advisor Kareem McMichael; Kyla Chandler and Lynbyrd Massey Jr., both juniors; senior Daryl Green; sophomore Grace Thomas; and senior Austin Lewis.
The conference was designed to strengthen student-run campus newspapers by helping student journalists effectively engage with their communities on and off campus, navigate college administrations that either support or hinder student voices, develop strong leadership skills and produce high-quality journalism that reflects diversity, especially voices from marginalized communities, which speaks to the very essence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
With the tools and strategies shared at the event, students, particularly those working in multimedia; are better equipped to succeed in journalism careers, grow their campus media organizations and amplify underrepresented voices in todayâs evolving media landscape.
Students participated in writing workshops and discussion panels featuring renowned authors and journalists. Sessions covered topics such as âThe Need for Young Black Journalists,â âHow Can Your Campus News Serve the Community,â âJournalism That Moves the Culture: Business, Sports and Politics Through a Digital Lens,â âInternships Workshopâ and âWhat Are We Looking for in Hiring Emerging Talent.â
The conference also included lightning rounds, where professionals offered quick insights into their respective fields.
âIt was one of the best experiences Iâve ever been a part of. Meeting so many high-caliber professionals in the field I want to enter was life-changing. Iâm more encouraged than ever to go after my dreams.â said Austin Lewis, a senior.
 Digital Conference host, panelist and attendees take a group photo to wrap of the two-day conference.
The workshops gave attendees hands-on experience and the chance to connect with journalists from major media outlets, including Ali Jackson-Jolley, assistant managing editor of Forbes BLK; Theodore âTedâ Kim, director of newsroom career programs at The New York Times; Shirley Carswell, director of the Dow Jones News Fund; and Gary Green, executive director of the Student Press Law Center; just to name a few.
Sophomore Grace Thomas; juniors Kyla Chandler and Lynbyrd Massey Jr.; and seniors Austin Lewis and Daryl Green attended the conference to build connections, sharpen their skills and network with students from other HBCUs. They were accompanied by their advisor, Kareem McMichael.
The conference kicked off with a keynote address by Ron Nixon, Director of the Associated Press Local Investigative Reporting Program. Nixon set the tone by highlighting the legacy, impact and future of HBCU student journalism.
His remarks focused on representation, the power of storytelling, journalismâs role in democracy and the ongoing digital transformation of the industry. The session aimed to motivate and empower attendees to embrace leadership roles in media and recognize the value of their voices in shaping the future.
âYouâve earned this. You should go into any room with the confidence that the people who taught you have given you the skills necessary to succeed wherever you are,â Nixon said.
He emphasized that his keynote would be interactive rather than a lecture. He shared his personal journey into journalism and opened the floor for students to ask questions and engage in open dialogue.
âThis conference reaffirmed where I currently stand in my pursuit to be a professional journalist. I was amazed at some of the tips and advice that the panelists offered throughout the conference. I truly believe that I left this conference with must-have knowledge that I donât believe I could have secured elsewhere.â said Daryl Green, a senior.
The first annual Elevate HBCU Media Conference, the first of its kind; was sponsored by the Google News Initiative and the Knight Foundation and presented by Digital Media Collaborative co-founders Michael Grant and Justin Rushing. The conference aimed to equip HBCU student journalists with the tools, resources and connections necessary to thrive in todayâs media landscape.
With a focus on collaboration, innovation and storytelling that centers underrepresented communities, the event served as both a learning opportunity and a call to action for the next generation of Black media leaders. As students return to their campus newsrooms, they carry a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of their role in shaping narratives that matter.