By: Roy Douglas Malonson
What happens when you hand a microphone, a notepad, and a camera to a group of curious, passionate, and unapologetically bold Black youth? You get the future of journalism—and it looks a lot like Houston.
That’s exactly what unfolded June 23–27 at 2411 Emancipation Avenue, where African American News & Issues, Texas’ longest-running and most trusted Black-owned newspaper, proudly launched its first-ever Junior Journalist Program—a powerful, weeklong training experience that gave youth ages 8 to 17 an authentic, behind-the-scenes look into the media world. From journalism and podcasting to photography and weather reporting, students weren’t just learning—they were being equipped to lead.
And the best part? It was completely free.
This summer internship-style program was a bold expression of the newspaper’s continued commitment to community empowerment, education, and media equity. By creating space for young people to explore their voice in a professional, safe, and culturally relevant environment, African American News & Issues once again proved why it’s not just a publication—but a pillar of the people.
A Program That Felt Like Purpose
This wasn’t a lecture-style camp. It was a hands-on, interactive, confidence-building media lab, infused with real-world skills and real world love. Each day, students created their own press passes, learned the art of interviewing, and practiced writing news articles using the foundational 5Ws and H. Sessions like “News or Not?” helped sharpen media literacy, while podcast segments gave students the chance to speak, record, and be heard.
Guided by experienced instructors like Christin Durant and Shonte Williams, and coordinated by journalist and author Sharon C. Jenkins, the energy in the room felt like something far beyond school—it felt like legacy in motion.
But this program wasn’t about building the next viral star—it was about building Black media leaders with integrity. It gave students something many of them had never experienced before: a platform designed for them, with instructors who looked like them, and a newspaper that believes in investing in them.
“This was about more than journalism,” Jenkins said. “It was about giving our youth permission to be heard, to ask ques- tions, and to realize they can change the narrative—not just follow it.”
A Grandmother’s Chance Encounter Be- comes a Family Blessing
The ripple effect of the program extended far beyond the walls of the classroom. Phyllis Williams, a proud grandmother, found out about the program in the most unexpected place—while picking up ingredients for gumbo at H-E-B.
“I saw a stack of news- papers and grabbed African American News & Issues,” she said. “When I saw the head- line about kids who love to ask questions and tell stories, I immediately thought of my grand- daughter Trinity.”
She shared the info with all her grandkids, but only Trinity stepped up. “From that point on, she was up at 4:30 every morning, excited to go. It sparked something in her. I’m so glad I picked up that paper,” she said, getting emotional.
It was a full-circle moment: the very newspaper that trained Trinity was the same one that brought the opportunity into her family’s life. That’s the power of community media. That’s the power of Black press.
Why This Program— and This Paper—Matter In today’s world, where misinformation spreads like wildfire and corporate media often over- looks the truth of Black communities, the work of African American News & Issues is more essential than ever. For over two decades, the newspaper has not only reported on Houston’s Black neighborhoods— it has fought for them, uplifted them, and stood in the gap when no one else would.
The Junior Journalist Program is a continuation of that mission. It wasn’t just about filling summer schedules. It was about instilling values, building skill sets, and handing over the mic—literally and symbolically.
Our children need to see themselves as leaders, thinkers, creators, and cultural historians. This program showed them they already are.
A Celebration of Community & Potential
The week closed with a heartfelt graduation ceremony. Students received certificates, took photos, and shared reflections on what they had learned. Some left inspired to become anchors, others to write books or launch their own podcasts. One thing was clear: their confidence had grown— and so had their sense of purpose.
Special recognition goes to Michael Myles Hayes, Rhonda Lynn Jenkins, and Ferrell Phelps, whose time and dedication helped make the experience unforgettable.
And special thanks to D’Art Event Services for donating the space and believing in the vision. Looking Ahead: Your Child Could Be Next As word spreads about the success of this pilot program, families across Houston are already asking when the next Junior Journalist Program will launch. If you missed it this time, don’t worry— we’re just getting started.
Because this is more than a newspaper initiative. This is our legacy, our children, our future.
African American News & Issues isn’t just covering the story—we’re writing the next chapter. And the pen is in our youth’s hands now.
