Boosting Black journalism and the communities they serve
Bob Sillick | for E&P Magazine
The Black press has a long tradition of serving communities across the United States with journalistic integrity and leadership in the fight for civil rights, justice reform, economic equality and inclusiveness. A new generation of Black publishers and journalists is reporting on these issues and many others — highlighting the contributions of Black communities and individuals that benefit us all.
Capital B is one of the new voices, with reporters working from many locations. Three years after its founding, in addition to its national team, Capital B has opened two local newsrooms in Gary, Indiana (Capital B Gary) and Atlanta (Capital B Atlanta). Lauren Williams, chief executive officer, and Akoto Ofori-Atta, chief audience officer, co-founded Capital B as a nonprofit news platform in 2022.
Williams was previously senior vice president and editor-in-chief of Vox and an editor at Mother Jones and The Root. Ofori-Atta was managing editor at The Trace, senior editor at Essence magazine and associate editor at The Root.
“Akoto and I met in 2010 while working at The Root and started conceptualizing a newsroom that would deliver hard news and investigative reporting for Black communities. The pandemic propelled us to refine our concept and act,” Williams said.
They were also motivated by the challenges fellow Black journalists faced working in a predominately white industry: questionable pay scales, outright racism and editors who dismissed their story ideas. Even as that industry hired more Black journalists and improved their coverage of the issues affecting Black communities, most of that reporting was for white audiences. Williams and Ofori-Atta wanted to fill that void.
Kelly Virella, Capital B’s executive editor, (with microphone) addressed the audience during the Milwaukee stop of the Capital B Black Political Power Tour. (Photo credit: Janet McMillan Photography)
Although the topics of greatest importance to Black communities are covered at all three Capital B newsrooms, there are local differences. According to Williams, Capital B’s national reporting team focuses on the impact of national legislation and policy on Black communities nationwide. Despite the turmoil in D.C., Capital B hasn’t changed its mission or coverage. Williams, Ofori-Atta and the staff have doubled down on reporting how that turmoil makes life and progress in Black communities more difficult.
Capital B Gary was founded to counter the lack of reporting from Chicago media and provide its readership with local, in-depth coverage that reveals who is accountable for civic inaction. Capital B Atlanta serves Black metro residents with a localized focus on how the same issues affect those in a southern city. Both Capital B Gary and Capital B Atlanta have six experienced journalists on staff.
“According to our latest reader survey, Capital B’s audience is 60% women, 40% men and 65% Black. Our most loyal audience members are change seekers: those dissatisfied with the status quo, curious about why things are the way they are and interested in solutions,” Williams said.
(L to r) Omar Wasow, assistant professor in UC Berkeley’s Department of Political Science; Tracey Ross, director, Frontline Solutions; and Brandon Tensley, Capital B’s national politics reporter, addressed the audience during the Oakland, California, stop of the Capital B Black Political Power Tour. (Photo courtesy of Capital B)
Capital B has been recognized several times for its journalistic excellence, including the NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) Best Practices Award in 2024 and the 2025 Robert G. McGruder Diversity Award, one of 10 Poynter Journalism Prizes. Both awards cited Capital B’s commitment to inclusive hiring and reporting on issues, such as maternal health and Black farmers, that are often unreported.
Over 40 foundations, individuals, corporations and Capital B members have donated $5,000 or more in FY 2023 and 2024, including the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, Ford Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Walton Family Foundation.
“We’re here to tell the stories others aren’t telling and to give our communities the news they need. Our mission and our reporting have never felt more important,” Williams said.
Bob Sillick has held many senior positions and served a myriad of clients during his 47 years in marketing and advertising. He has been a freelance/contract content researcher, writer, editor and manager since 2010. He can be reached at bobsillick@gmail.com.
