Following Professional Journalists in Community and Culture



To strengthen my understanding of community, art, and culture in Atlanta, I followed three professional journalists whose work aligns with my beat. Observing their reporting and social media engagement gave me insight into how professionals cover local culture, art, and community voices.

Journalists I Followed:

  1. Kelundra Smith — Arts journalist/critic & Editor‑at‑Large at ArtsATL

    • X/Twitter: @pieceofkay

    • Why: Writes about theatre, visual arts, and culture in Atlanta  great for stories about local art, galleries, and performances.

  2. DeAsia Paige — Culture Reporter at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC)

    • X/Twitter: @deasia_paige

    • Why: Covers music, arts, culture, and Black communities in Atlanta  her work shows how cultural and community stories intersect.

  3. Jewel Wicker — Freelance Culture & Entertainment Reporter

    • X/Twitter: @JewelWicker

    • Why: Reports on entertainment, film, and cultural events useful for spotting local trends, new creatives, and community happenings.

Takeaways:
Following these journalists helped me see how professionals frame stories, engage with audiences, and highlight cultural narratives in Atlanta. Engaging with their posts and observing their coverage inspired ideas for my own beat, such as profiling local art events, exploring neighborhood culture, and telling stories that amplify community voices.








Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Three Historic Cultural Moments That Shaped Atlanta’s Creative Community

 Atlanta has always been a center of creativity, culture, and artistic expression. For my beat, I explored three historic local dates that helped shape the arts and community storytelling we see today: 1. October 5, 1881 — The Opening of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) The AUC began forming in the late 1800s with the establishment of institutions like Atlanta University and Clark College. This moment laid the foundation for a powerful creative and intellectual community. Today, the AUC continues to produce artists, filmmakers, writers, musicians, and culture-shapers whose voices influence national conversations. 2. September 12, 1960 — The AUC Students Launch The Atlanta Student Movement AUC students began organizing sit-ins and community actions that used storytelling, media, and public presence to fuel change. This movement showed how powerful  student voices  and community-centered expression can be, influencing the role of art and culture in activism today. 3. May...
Read more

Inside the World of Culture Study

Image
I recently subscribed to a free Substack newsletter called  Culture Study  by writer Anne Helen Petersen. It focuses on creativity, cultural trends, and the way communities influence the art we make. One post that stood out to me was titled  “How Creative Spaces Shape the Way We Tell Stories.” The article talks about how the environment around an artist affects their voice and expression. When people feel supported, included, and inspired by the space they’re in, their creativity shows up differently. Petersen uses examples from community studios, college campuses, and local artist collectives to show how shared spaces help people grow, experiment, and collaborate. Reading this connected directly to my beat   Arts, Culture, and Community Voices . So much of the work I cover comes from people creating within a specific environment: students on campus, Atlanta artists, and storytellers building community through their work. It reminded me that behind every story is a s...
Read more

When Stats Meet Culture: What Atlanta’s Numbers Reveal About Local Art & Community

 As I track the pulse of community, art, and voices across Atlanta, certain numbers don’t just sit on a spreadsheet  they hint at deeper stories about who we are, who we could be, and how art intersects with city life. Here are three especially telling stats for the city, and how they could shape stories worth exploring. 1. Atlanta’s Growing Population — 520,070 (2024 estimate) According to the latest U.S. Census “QuickFacts,” Atlanta’s population as of July 1, 2024 is estimated at  520,070 , up from 498,715 in 2020. A growing population suggests an expanding audience and potentially more creators. What does this growth mean for the city’s art scene? Are new residents contributing to a shift in cultural identity? This could frame a piece about “How Atlanta’s Growth is Reshaping Its Creative Landscape,” exploring how influx of people influences galleries, street art, community murals, small‑venue performances, or grassroots arts initiatives.  Census.gov +1  ...
Read more