The Nyla Perspective

 I really enjoyed Madison’s post about her conversation with Mya Nicole on capturing the small details in beat reporting. Paying attention to body language, setting, and sound can make interviews more vivid and engaging. One thing that stood out to me was the emphasis on small details. As a student covering the community beat, I realize that noticing subtle interactions, local traditions, and everyday moments can reveal stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. Mya’s advice reminds us that great beat reporting isn’t just about major events it’s about capturing the life and energy of the people and places we cover. Madison’s post inspired me to think more critically about how I approach interviews and reporting on my own beat, and I encourage other student journalists to do the same.   Madison Blog post link: https://letstalkaboutitmadisonrose.blogspot.com/2025/12/bingo-4-ask-upperclassman-journalism.html

  In South Fulton, the connection between community culture and demographic data is clearer than ever. When you look at the U.S. Census numbers, you start to see patterns that explain not only who lives here, but also who creates, supports, and engages with local art. With a population of a little over 112,000 and a median household income of about $81,798, South Fulton represents a community with both creative energy and the resources to sustain it. One of the most important findings from the Census is the city’s extremely high level of digital access.  Nearly 98% of households have a computer , and  about 95% have broadband internet . This matters for art because it shapes how creative work is made and shared. Digital access allows local artists to post their work online, build audiences, run small creative businesses from home, and collaborate with others. It also shapes who consumes art  more residents can view online galleries, attend virtual events, or follow l...

 For my community beat, I followed several social media accounts that keep me connected to Atlanta’s events, initiatives, and local movements, including Move in the City ATL, the City of Atlanta, Community Movement Builders, Everything Georgia, and AMA Atlanta. These accounts provide updates on community programs, arts and culture, grassroots projects, and official city news, giving me a wide view of what’s happening around town. Throughout the semester, I plan to actively engage with Move in the City ATL by liking, commenting on, and sharing posts to deepen my understanding of local happenings. Following and interacting with these accounts will help me generate story ideas, identify sources, and stay informed about trends that impact the Atlanta community. Screenshots of my interactions and the accounts I follow will be included as evidence. '

  The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) recently announced over  $1.3 million in grants  for 2025–26, supporting arts organizations across 49 counties, including many in Metro Atlanta. These grants fund everything from theater productions and gallery exhibits to arts-education programs and community workshops. What stands out is how the funding isn’t just for major institutions  it also goes to smaller, community-based groups. This ensures that local voices, neighborhood artists, and grassroots projects have the support they need to thrive. By investing in a mix of established and emerging organizations, the GCA helps keep Atlanta’s creative scene  diverse, accessible, and rooted in the community .  I want to follow some of the Atlanta-area organizations that received funding to see how these grants impact their work. Which projects will bring the most engagement to local neighborhoods? How do these initiatives help preserve culture, expand arts education,...

  Interview with Kris’Shyne Johnson, Junior Business Major  When we talk about arts and culture, we usually hear from artists, creators, historians, or people rooted in the humanities. But what happens when we ask someone  outside  that world someone who studies business, strategy, and numbers to share their perspective? To find out, I sat down with  Kris’Shyne Johnson , a junior Business major, to hear how she views the role of art and community voices in everyday life. Her answers surprised me in the best way. Even though Kris’Shyne doesn’t study art, she sees its value everywhere. “Art is honestly everywhere we go,”  she told me.  “From the clothes we put on to the music we listen to. People don’t realize how much creativity shapes daily life.” She said that while her major focuses on structure budgets, planning, market trends art feels like the opposite: free, expressive, and deeply personal. One thing that stood out in our conversation was how oft...

 The arts, culture, and community scene is constantly evolving, and several trends are shaping the way stories are told and experienced. Here are three key developments that I see influencing my beat in the coming years: 1. The Rise of Digital Storytelling Technology continues to change how artists and communities share their work. Social media platforms, short-form video apps, and streaming services allow creators to reach wider audiences instantly. This trend means that more students, local artists, and cultural organizations can share their voices and build communities online, creating opportunities for collaboration and exposure. 2. Emphasis on Community-Centered Art There is a growing focus on art that reflects and serves the community. Local galleries, pop-up exhibits, and public art projects are increasingly highlighting stories of underrepresented voices. This trend emphasizes the importance of cultural identity and social impact, encouraging artists to create work that con...

 

 I reached out to  Ethan Dorsett , an upperclassman Journalism major and Panther writer who focuses heavily on   sports reporting . Even though our beats are different, he shared advice that works across  any  specialty including my beat on arts, culture, and community voices. Ethan talked about how sports writing requires a balance between  facts, storytelling, and personality , and I realized that applies to cultural reporting too. He explained that the key to owning your beat is learning how to bring readers into the world you're covering, whether it’s a football field or a creative studio. Here are the three main tips he gave me: 1. “Know your beat like it’s your home team.” Ethan said that sports reporters need to understand the teams, players, stats, and background stories  and that cultural reporters should do the same. For my beat, that means knowing the artists on campus, upcoming events, local creative spaces, and the stories behind them. 2. ...

  Name:  Ariel Coleman     Title:  Community Advocate & Community Leader Email:   AMC.coleman@gmail.com Location:  Atlanta, GA How they could be a source for my beat: Ariel Coleman is deeply involved in Atlanta’s local community, making them a goldmine for stories that highlight social initiatives, local events, and grassroots movements. They always have their finger on the pulse of what’s happening around town, from neighborhood projects to inspiring personal stories, which makes them a fun and dynamic source for uncovering human-interest angles that really resonate with readers.

The Atlanta campus community has been shaken by a widely shared video showing a Morehouse College student allegedly assaulting a Clark Atlanta University student outside off-campus housing. The video quickly spread on social media, sparking fear, anger, and a lot of conversation among students. Walking around campus and listening to conversations in residence halls and lounges, students expressed concerns about their safety. Many mentioned feeling uneasy in areas around off-campus apartments, shuttle stops, and nighttime routes. Some students praised the campus safety measures in place, like shuttles and emergency apps, while others said they didn’t feel these resources were enough. A common theme was the desire for transparency  students want clear communication from CAU and Morehouse about what steps are being taken to prevent similar incidents. On social media, students shared the video and offered support to the victim. Both schools quickly issued public statements condemning t...