The 411 – November 11, 2024
A mission statement and what to expect
While this newsletter has published multiple stories, it's occurred to me that there hasn't been a post explaining what this is and what it will strive to do.
The 411 is something I imagined to deliver news solely focused on Black people and the Black community. It's a platform where I will finalize what stories make it to your mailbox. Part of the reason is I have no intention or drive to leave journalism under any circumstances. This newsletter of mine is proof of my continued dedication to a field I care about.
(Also, while being in between work, I realize I should've created this years ago)
The other reason it was created is that independent journalism is great. It's here, I believe, where stories about overlooked people and their contributions get seen. Mainstream media can't do it. Professionally speaking, it still doesn't do a good job of regularly featuring stories about Black people.
However, independent journalism isn't immune to the same problems as media institutions. If I asked you about your favorite new non-profit/reader-supported websites/newsletters, how many could you name that are Black-owned? Or are they wholly dedicated to the most marginalized within our society? This is not to say that independent journalism doesn't do a good job of regularly speaking with melanated people. They do solid work.
I don't think I need to explain at length why another newsletter dedicated to Black people is important. But if I had to make a case. Next time you watch the news or visit a news site or podcast. Count how many times you see a Black face that works/writes there and the diversity of the stories -there's your answer.
I do not believe this newsletter would be a direct competitor to Afrotech or The Griot. I do not have that lofty, beyond my scope, type of goals. I'd like this to be a continued pursuit of why I respect the work of Black journalism so much.
The works of independent media, such as the Chicago media platform The TRiiBE, inspired The 411. Locally, I was inspired by the work of the Miami Times and Miami Herald's 44 Percent.
When I read work at Capital B News and others over the years, I asked myself, well, why can't I do that myself? I could also rattle off podcasts I listen to, which got me thinking of launching this. (each word in the proceeding sentence links to good Black podcasts) But we'd be here for ages.
So, the mission statement focuses on Black people across the fields of gaming, tech, social, or whatever I believe to be important, and so on. The reason is that many stories will go unnoticed as we make up small parts of career fields and spaces. I believe that is a disservice to the Black community at large. All our stories have value and are worth coverage. Coverage shouldn't just be reserved for the most well-known of us.
This isn't to say the newsletter will serve as something of a promotional content mill. (Please don't DM me if you're doing so.) That isn't something I care for, and I believe it's something readers need. I will keep this focused on intersectional stories that will bring information you probably aren't seeing often. Again, I don't plan to do what other independent sites covering the same beats do.
So what will The 411 do for you, dear reader? I will use it to bring unique interviews and stories to your mailbox. Interviews will provide insight regarding what it is like working in tech as a Black professional now. What is job hunting like when you're a recently laid-off Black game dev?
What is it like to navigate working in media as a career Black journalist? What is missing from all these stories about layoffs for a Black workforce that often is the first to get the pink slip? How does one analyze a shrinking number of Black faces in creative industries?
I love interviews, and I love Black people; I think that's a great formula for stories/news. Don't you think so?
These stories will provide insight and news that isn't just about Black people winning. That's not realistic. I've come to realize I need this because it's not enough to hope that a news site I work at would allow me this kind of freedom. Especially outside of Black History Month? Nah, I don't see that happening.
The 411 will strive to provide you with interesting journalism about Black people, the Black Community, and their contributions. Ideally, this work will evolve over time and I hope you’d like to stick around for it.
If that sounds like a plan? Please consider subscribing and sharing. It would help support me in this effort. Until the next story, dear reader.