Sullivan Anderson 
It’s no secret that NABJ created several waves in Chicago (some that might go down in history) this past week. Among the various events was the “Leading Voices in Chicago’s Black Storytelling” at Semicolon Books and Sweets that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. Hosted by Public Narrative, a non-profit dedicated to helping facilitate better journalism, the event’s goal was to highlight Black contributions to journalism, and shaping Black culture as a whole.
The event did just that. The panel featured Yohance Lacour (Journalist at the Invisible Institute), Tacuma Roeback (Chief Editor of the Chicago Defender), Morgan E. Johnson (Co-Founder of the TRiiBE), and True Star’s very own Co-Founder Deanna McLeary Sherman – and to say it was insightful is an understatement.
The panel addressed journalistic transparency, credibility within the field, and the importance of resilience. As True Star’s own Co-Founder spoke, she addressed the challenges that come along with the field. “Everybody won’t believe in your vision,” McCleary Sherman explained. “But we’re still standing after 20 years, and that shows our young people not to quit.”
Indeed, we were inspired to chase after our dreams despite how unique our experiences might be, which Lacour cosigned. “Being true to your experience is important,” he stated. Having a unique voice as a former prison-mate is an essential part of his story, and an overall great contribution to Black storytelling. “Not a lot of people have my experience of being in the joint,” he explained.
I left the event even more encouraged to use my voice, knowing that I maintain an important perspective as a Black woman. To add the cherry on top, Semicolon Books and Sweets is owned by a Black woman – DL Mullen! That’s right, in the heart of downtown, our perspective is respected and admired.
Amid the various cultural phenomena that occurred during the NABJ con, it was refreshing to have an event that catered towards celebrating Black perspectives as a conglomerate. It was a safe space: one of unity, collaboration, and love (*whispers* and no orange politicians)! We look forward to continuing the contribution to Black storytelling, one story at a time.
By Sullivan Anderson, North Carolina A&T State University Alumna
Instagram: @SullivanGrace_
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