Episode 110: The State of Black Journalism: A Conversation with Dio from Resolve Philly

Hosts: Camari Ellis & Manny Smith

Guest: Dio, Associate Editor of Community Narratives at Resolve Philly

Episode Summary: In this episode of Black Voices Matter, Camari and Manny are joined by Dio, a leading voice in community-centered journalism. Dio shares her journey into journalism, her work with Resolve Philly, and the importance of bridging the gap between community and local media. The conversation dives into the role of Black journalists in media, the need for narrative empowerment, and the challenges faced by the Black community in controlling their own stories. This lively discussion also touches on the cultural and systemic challenges in newsrooms, the need for more diverse voices, and the role of capitalism in shaping narratives.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Dio and Resolve Philly:
   • Dio’s role at Resolve Philly as the Associate Editor of Community Narratives.
   • Resolve Philly’s mission to bridge the trust divide between local media and the communities they serve through community engagement initiatives.
2. Dio’s Journey to Journalism:
   • Dio’s early disillusionment with journalism and how she rediscovered her passion through community-centered journalism.
   • Her unique title, “Op-Ed Shepherd,” which reflects her role in helping community members tell their stories.
3. The Role of Community Journalism:
   • The concept of “community-powered journalism” as the future of the industry.
   • The challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity while navigating profit-driven media models.
4. Defining "Capital J" Journalism vs. "Lowercase j" Journalism:
   • The distinction between formal, credentialed journalism and community storytelling.
   • The gatekeeping mechanisms that prevent marginalized voices from being heard in traditional media spaces.
5. Narrative Empowerment and Op-Ed Writing:
   • Dio’s work in empowering individuals to tell their own stories through op-eds and first-person narratives.
   • Success stories of community members who have had their voices amplified through Resolve Philly’s partnerships with local newsrooms.
6. Black Representation in Newsrooms:
   • The importance of having Black journalists and editors in positions of power to ensure coverage of Black communities is fair and accurate.
   • The debate over whether more diverse voices in newsrooms automatically leads to better representation for Black communities.
7. Capitalism and Journalism:
   • A deep discussion on how capitalism influences the media and whether it serves or hinders the empowerment of Black voices.
   • Dio’s perspective on the intersection of capitalism and community storytelling, and how the system often perpetuates oppression.

Memorable Quotes:

• “What defines a capital J journalist? And why are there gatekeeping mechanisms that keep community voices out?” — Dio
• “We’re not just talking about journalism. We’re talking about telling our stories unapologetically and freely, without fear of retribution.” — Camari
• “I believe that the landscape of journalism is flattening, and the power to tell stories is moving away from the gatekeepers.” — Dio

Resources Mentioned:

• Resolve Philly – A nonprofit newsroom focused on community engagement and narrative empowerment.
• Op-Ed Project – A project aimed at amplifying underrepresented voices in media.

How to Connect with Dio:

• Email: Dionysia@resolvephilly.org
• Learn more about Dio’s work at Resolve Philly by visiting their website resolvephilly.org.