By: Sharon C. Jenkins
The spirit of storytelling and truth- seeking came alive for a group of eager young minds during the Junior Journalist Program, held June 23–27 at 2411 Emancipation Avenue in Houston. Sponsored by African American News & Issues and made possible by the generous space donation from D’Art Event Services, this weeklong immersive experience offered youth ages 8–17 the chance
to explore the power of media, journalism, and podcasting firsthand.
The program was coordinated by Sharon C. Jenkins, a veteran journalist and author, with instruction led by Christin Durant, a dynamic media personality and podcast host, and Shonte Williams, who served as the energetic games coordinator. Together, they created a safe, empowering space where students could discover their voice and learn the skills of observation, research, interviewing, and publishing.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in interactive sessions including “What is Journalism?”, ethical reporting, and multimedia storytelling. They created DIY press passes, played the “News or Not?” game to understand different types
of content, and wrote their very first articles using the classic 5Ws and H (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How). Each afternoon, students were encouraged to share their work aloud, receiving supportive feedback and building confidence in their craft.
A standout moment of the week came from a touching testimony by Phyllis Williams, a proud grandmother who discovered the program in an unexpected way.
“Well, I was at H-E-B trying to get me some gumbo,” she laughed. “And while I was in there, I found some pamphlets on a cart. I looked over and saw a newspaper — African-American News & Issues. I said, ‘Hmm… aromnews.com? I’ve never heard of that. Let me look.’”
Williams recalled flipping through the pages with curiosity until a headline stopped her cold.
“It said, ‘Do you have a young person who loves to ask questions? Tell stories? Dream of making a difference with their voice?’ And I thought about my granddaughter… I sent the info to all my grandkids. I told them, ‘Who wants a challenge?’”
Only one responded — her granddaughter Trinity.
“She said, ‘I’ll do it!’ and from that point on, she was so excited. She was up at 4:30 every morning. Every day this week, she’s been motivated. She just loved the whole thing,” Williams shared with emotion. “I’m so glad this was in the newspaper, because
if it hadn’t been, I wouldn’t have known. Thank you.”
The success of the Junior Journalist Program is a testament to the power of community, literacy, and legacy. It gave students an authentic look at what it means to be a media maker — not just consumers, but creators of culture and truth. The program closed with participants receiving certificates of completion from AFRAM.
As the next generation of storytellers stepped forward with confidence, one thing became clear: the future of journalism is in powerful, passionate hands.
Special thanks to Michael Myles Hayes, Rhonda Lynn Jenkins, and Ferrell Phelps for their outstanding contributions of time to this initiative.
