We are thrilled to announce the arrival of an incredibly diverse and passionate group of individuals to our 6-week Planet Detroit Neighborhood Reporting Lab Cohort, where they will embark on an enriching journey into the world of community journalism. Each participant brings a unique perspective and a shared commitment to making a difference within their communities through the power of storytelling.
Our program is designed to equip each participant with the fundamental skills of journalism, from researching and interviewing to writing compelling stories that resonate with and impact our communities. It’s not just about learning the ropes; it’s about applying these skills to publish meaningful stories highlighting our neighborhoods’ vibrant lives and challenges.
Each student who participates will receive instruction from community journalism teacher Charlotte Morgan and one-on-one mentoring through the Detroit Writing Room and Energy News Network. Planet Detroit Community Journalism Editor Martina Guzmán will oversee the cohort. Those who publish a story will receive a stipend.
We are profoundly grateful to the Kresge and Americana foundations for their generous support, making this opportunity accessible to our cohort.
As we kick off this journey, we look forward to the stories that will emerge, the voices that will be amplified and the impact that will be made. Welcome to what promises an inspiring and transformative experience for all involved.
Here they are:
Ambirr Momon is a District 2 resident, vegan, mother and community activist deeply committed to dismantling barriers for disenfranchised communities. Her passion lies in expanding access to knowledge and involvement in local and city-wide initiatives, aiming to foster a more informed, engaged, and positively progressive community.
Brent Collins III, with 20 years under his belt as a Detroit resident and a Wayne State University alumnus holding a BA in Linguistics, is a staunch advocate for enhancing the quality of life within the community. His involvement stems from a desire to witness and contribute to the tangible benefits that such engagements bring to his surroundings.
Meghan Rutigliano is an emerging journalist residing in Lafayette Park, known for her weekly contributions to Outlier Media through her column “Get Busy.” Eager to refine her writing skills, Meghan sees the Planet Detroit Neighborhood Reporting Lab as a golden opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and further her journalistic pursuits.
Clayton Cortez Smith, a multimedia journalist and filmmaker from Southwest Detroit, deeply engages with social and environmental issues. He views the Planet Detroit Neighborhood Reporting Lab as a platform to delve into environmental concerns, influence policy and advocate for meaningful action.
A J Johnson, a Detroit resident, small business owner and Detroit Documenter, aims to shed light on the benefits of community agreements, especially concerning environmental concerns related to increased local traffic and pollution.
Sarah Craft started her Detroit journey as a community organizer in 2010 and has since collaborated with community leaders, local governments and startups to promote a more equitable Michigan. Living in Southwest Detroit, she joined the reporting lab to enhance her journalistic skills, connect with community writers and spotlight local stories.
Jessica Shields, who moved to Downtown Detroit over a year ago, is enamored by the city’s community spirit and civic leadership. As a newcomer, she’s keen on contributing to the city’s growth and enhancing communication skills through her involvement in the Neighborhood Reporting Lab.
Estefania Arellano-Bermudez, a Latina freelance writer for El Central Hispanic Newspaper, resides in Melvindale and works in Detroit. She hopes to focus on environmental issues through her writing.
Birch Andrew Kemp, a dedicated Detroiter and former high school teacher turned tree planter, is working towards building a public arboretum in Poletown. He joined the reporting lab to explore and share stories about Detroit that resonate with him and others.
Mikehl Hafner, an Architectural Designer living in Lafayette Park, is passionate about environmental activism and journalism. His participation in the program stems from a desire to learn about journalism and use his platform to amplify the voices of the natural world.
Susmita Dash, having called Detroit and Hamtramck home for 20 years, is driven by a desire to give back to the communities that shaped her. With a background in environmental science, she’s drawn to environmental journalism to make the field more accessible and enhance her skills as an environmental scientist.
Princess Brown, a native Michigander with 28 years of navigating Detroit, has faced challenges such as illegal eviction. Her experiences fueled her desire to join the writing lab, seeking to improve her writing skills and give voice to the city’s untold stories.
Yvonne Price, a health and wellness advocate from the Downriver area with over 20 years of experience, is eager to refine her journalistic skills through the lab, aiming to write more concisely and impactfully.
Sarah Sparkman, residing in Detroit’s Woodbridge neighborhood and focusing on the intersection of sustainability and textiles, joined the reporting lab to enhance her reporting skills and deepen her community connections.
Fatima Nelson, an African-American woman from Detroit’s west side, joined the program driven by her love for storytelling and a desire to learn more about local and global events to document them effectively.
Zachary Lassen, a lifelong resident of Redford Township, is motivated by a commitment to community improvement and a passion for addressing climate change. His participation in the reporting lab is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact through his work.
Jade James-Gist, a 4th generation Detroiter from the East Village, is attuned to the challenges of environmental injustice and sustainable urban development. Joining the reporting lab, she aims to amplify underrepresented stories and advocate for equitable progress in her community.
Alex Schultz-Spradlin, from the Fitzgerald neighborhood, aims to enhance his advocacy and writing to better represent his community’s challenges and aspirations through his participation in the program.
Andrea Meza, a freelance writer with roots in the Metro-Detroit area, is passionate about highlighting Southwest Detroit stories. Her participation in the reporting lab is fueled by a desire to expand her network and amplify local narratives.
Aya Fayad, an English and Journalism double major, is dedicated to using journalism as a platform for social change and representation. Her involvement in the reporting lab is a step towards honing her journalistic skills and advocating for underrepresented voices.
Maia Sabree, an artivist-in-residence with Detroit Media + Technology, blends her advocacy for social justice with a commitment to Detroit’s revitalization through sustainable and community-centered initiatives. She sees journalism as a means to spotlight grassroots solutions and serve the public interest.
Owólabi Aboyade, a multidimensional culture worker and writer from Detroit, contributes to various publications while pursuing an MFA in nonfiction. He values journalism’s potential to illuminate complex narratives and challenge detrimental stereotypes, particularly those affecting the Black community.
