Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, but not a dope classic metal jawn, and not for any of my own writing. Now I want a typewriter!!
How is social media changing news?
Social media has democratized the framework of authority by making diverse points of view more easily accessible.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
A cross between Nova Bordelon using her words as a Black cultural sword and Julianne Potter getting paid to obsess about food.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Too many to pick just one. I'll only say that Black Twitter is undefeated and constantly comes through with the most hilarious content.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I love when there is obvious care in the framing of the idea and the editor knows my style and thinks ill have a unique take to contribute.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Microsoft and Google everything, books, and lots of snacks and water.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter by far. It's been a great teacher on the power of brevity and distillation of thought.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I got to profile Toni Tipton-Martin for TASTE a while back. She is a personal shero and I love TASTE so it was a dream experience all around.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Read everything. Your voice will be sharpened, your taste refined, and you'll develop a mental dexterity that will serve you in all things.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime really, but I hate the last minute afterthought pitches when the piece is eminent and the editing process will be rushed
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Matt Rodbard challenged me to write based on a conversation we'd had years before when he took over TASTE and said "Let's tell dope stories"
What's your favorite drink?
Ginger Beer for sure!!
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That Black foodways can be contained by a single definition, It's a culture and a vibe that is in constant flux and no one idea is definitive.
