More than halfway through the Comcast Digital Equity Local Voices Lab fellowship, the 16 Word In Black and News is Out fellows continue to impress with their thoughtful coverage. Since April 2024, the fellows have tackled issues like connectivity and technology benefits, and highlighted LGBTQ+ and BIPOC entrepreneurs and creatives.
The fellows have also attended important media events, including the National Association of Black Journalists, the Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, and the Local Media Association’s LMA Fest. At these events, fellows have met in person, formed new bonds and friendships, and created peer-to-peer mentorships. They have also had professional development opportunities with NBCUniversal and Comcast, learning about broadcasting, the rise of AI and more.
Journalists in this new generation are using their skills and talent to open doors for themselves and their communities through their work in the fellowship. Check out some of their important work:
Queer tech firm CEO takes a nonlinear approach to autism diagnoses
Amanda “Mandy” Ralston, founder and CEO of NonBinary Solutions, is a queer, neurodivergent entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in applied behavior analysis. Established in 2022, NBS improves autism diagnoses by mentoring providers and creating standardized treatment plans, aiming to enhance care accessibility and outcomes for the autistic community.
How data helps — and hurts — LGBTQ+ communities
Data collection is important for LGBTQ+ communities, offering visibility and influencing policies. Scotland’s inclusion of sexuality and transgender status in its census marked progress but sparked controversy, showing the political nature of data.
How the mental health of queer BIPOC youth is impacted by connectivity outage
Internet outages significantly affect the mental health of queer BIPOC youth, with more than 250,000 in crisis. The end of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program in spring 2024 affects 23 million low-income households, worsening digital inequities.
Accessing safe online spaces for LGBTQ+ youth
The internet is a vital space for LGBTQ+ youth, providing community, resources and identity exploration, especially in areas lacking visible queer support. Research shows safe online spaces significantly reduce anxiety and suicide attempts, highlighting the need for inclusive digital environments.
Activist Riki Wilchins tackles New York Times’s controversial coverage of trans issues
In her new book, Bad Ink: How The New York Times Sold Out Transgender Teens, trans activist Riki Wilchins critiques the newspaper’s recent coverage of transgender issues, arguing it has shifted from being a “newspaper of record” to fueling anti-trans narratives.
The Gilbert Family Foundation, a large-scale philanthropic organization, has greatly supported Detroit’s Black community by funding Black Tech Saturdays. This grassroots initiative has become a sanctuary for the city’s entrepreneurs and those interested in the tech industry.
Bed-Stuy bed & breakfast inn offers luxury and Afrocentric elegance
The Akwaaba Mansion serves as a unique space, providing cultural relevance, pristine art and an elegant experience for visitors in one of America’s most historic African-American neighborhoods.
Hoods & Headspace: Three South Dallas Orgs Team up to Teach Boys Auto Care& Mental Wellness
To empower young minds, Black fathers and male figures pass down specific skills and knowledge to the next generation while also focusing on the importance of mental health.
Black Heritage Society: Working Hard to Preserve Washington’s Black History
Stephanie Johnson, president of the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, manages the collection team, which works weekly to maintain and catalog artifacts that preserve and share the history and culture of African Americans in the state.
Turning Pain into Purpose: How Black Entrepreneurs are Transforming Trauma, Health Care in D.C.
Rylinda Rhodes advocates for social-emotional wellness, mental health and trauma support through her business, Mane Rhodes Soap and Wellness. Using her products as conversation pieces, Rhodes spreads awareness about taboo subjects such as self-harm and domestic violence, which often plague communities.
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