View all of our profiles here
Deputy Editor at Pride Media
Years involved with NABJLA/NABJ: This is my 2nd year in NABJLA, but I was in NABJ in college for 2 years as well from 2013-2015.
Social Media: @cornbreadsays
Pronouns: he/him
What is the best advice for success in your field?
Don't think you have to be perfect at something to go after what you want. Persistence is what got me to where I am today. Know how to sell yourself. Make a website.
What type of stories need more attention in journalism?
Part of my personal mission at Pride Media is to uplift Black people, and not just our stories of tragedy and trauma that seem to be the only thing people click on these days. When I was young, fear prevented me from even pursuing avenues or opportunities that I assumed people who looked like me had no chance for. I think we need more stories in the world celebrating our wins, honoring Black doers, creators, and artists, and showing young Black people that anything is possible.
What advice from a mentor has helped shape your career?
In college, a visiting Black Sociology professor once took me aside and told me that of all things this world can take from you, they can never take your education.
Who do you consider an influential figure? Why?
I'm a gay man from Houston so you already know I'm about to say Beyoncé. I've been riding with her since I was seven-years-old and she has given so much to my community. She continues to make art celebrating Black people, culture, and healing. She's inspired me to not only follow my dreams but put in the work, and just given me so many reasons to smile and dance over the years. And I know y'all have seen Black Is King?!
What should everyone pay attention to in 2020?
This year has been ROUGH on my mental health. Not only are we living through a pandemic but the country is finally paying attention to the injustices Black people face at the hands of systemic police violence. Whether it's just viewing these videos of our brothers and sisters dying or getting gaslit about our experiences on Twitter, we're subjected to such intense trauma on a daily basis. Pay attention to your mental health. Trapped at home, it's quite easy for me to slip into depressive or self-destructive habits. Take care of yourselves, whatever that means for you. For me, it's doing a high-intensity workout then pouring myself a glass of wine and putting on Patti LaBelle records.