LMA matches funds to hire full-time managing director

(February 3, 2021) — Word in Black, the first national news collaborative focused on solutions to racial inequities in America, has experienced explosive growth in just six months. Thanks to new funding from Facebook, with a match from Local Media Association, Nick Charles has been hired as a full-time employee to serve as managing director. He previously served as a part-time contractor.

Facebook joins Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Walton Family Foundation, Local Media Consortium, Google News Initiative and over 340 individual donors in supporting Word in Black.

Mendoza

“Facebook is proud to support to the crucial work of Word in Black. Elevating Black voices and informing communities continues to be the vital work of these news organizations,” said Dorrine Mendoza, News Partnerships at Facebook.

The collaborative is the first project of the Fund for Black Journalism and includes 10 of the leading Black publishers: New York Amsterdam News, Defender Network, The Atlanta Voice, The Washington Informer, Dallas Weekly, The AFRO-American, Seattle Medium, Sacramento Observer, Michigan Chronicle and St. Louis American.

“I’m grateful for the financial support to help the Black-owned press continue to inform and support the communities they cover and serve,” said Charles. “We have an exciting business plan for 2021, and now we can move ahead and execute.”

Nick Charles
Charles

“Facebook stepped up at a critical time for Word in Black,” said Nancy Lane, chief executive officer, Local Media Association. “In addition to overseeing the journalism initiatives, Charles will also work with a team of consultants and LMA staff to launch a world class website with a national newsletter strategy and membership model.”

Word in Black seeks funding for a data journalist (half is already funded) and a full-time newsletter editor. Interested donors can contact Nancy Lane to learn more. Individual donations can also be made at https://givebutter.com/journalismfundblacknewspapers.