Black Iowa News Founder Fights for Representation and Equity

About the Guest(s):

Dana James is a prominent figure in the journalism industry, particularly championing the voice of the Black community in Iowa. She stands as the publisher and founder of Black Iowa News, which is currently the only Black-owned newspaper in Iowa. With her background as a former reporter for the Des Moines Register, Dana brings her extensive experience to the forefront in her current pursuits. Beyond her editorial capacities, she's the treasurer of the Iowa Association of Black Journalists and has vast involvement within the realm of written media, including a column titled "New Black Iowa." Dana is also a member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative and co-hosts the "Being Heard" podcast alongside Lya Williams. Her diligent work showcases her unwavering commitment to amplifying Black perspectives, showcasing the Black community, and advocating for others.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Dana James speaks up about the challenges and triumphs of running Black Iowa News, which illuminates the Black Iowan perspective on current issues. This conversation delves deep into the importance of representation in media, the handling of Black stories by news outlets, and the role of journalism in addressing community-specific needs concerns.

Dana reveals how the events of the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd catalyzed her return to journalism, with Black Iowa News coming into being as a necessity to sound the alarm for her community when others wouldn’t. Offering her insights via a digital platform, Dana emphasizes the mission to facilitate interconnection within the dispersed Black communities across Iowa state. This episode, thriving on transparency and empowerment, underscores Dana's commitment to amplifying Black voices in a state that often overlooks its Black population's issues and triumphs.

Key Takeaways:

• Dana James challenges mainstream media's representation of Black communities, emphasizing the need to surface personalized Black narratives.
• Her paper, Black Iowa News, aims to bridge gaps across Black communities in various Iowa locals, striving for statewide collaboration and support.
• Despite the obstacles facing the newspaper industry, Dana persistently drives her business forward, acknowledging the multi-fold support she receives from the community and beyond.
• The discussion reveals a critical view of the "Iowa nice" mentality, scrutinizing its potential to silence oppression rather than fostering true community support.
• Dana emphasizes the significance of using one's voice and platform to tirelessly combat systemic issues and foster generational progress within the Black community in Iowa.

Resources:

• Black Iowa News Website: blackiowanews.com
• Facebook Page: Black Iowa News
• Social Media: Black Iowa News on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter

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