On this episode of The Journalism Salute, Mark Simon is joined by Amber Payne. Amber is the publisher and general manager of The Emancipator.

This struck us as an important episode to release on Juneteenth.

The Emancipator is the Reimagining of the first abolitionist newspaper for a new day. Explaining and exploring solutions to racial inequality. It began as a partnership between Boston University and the Boston Globe. It is now housed at BU’s center for Anti-Racist Research, which is run by Dr. Ibram Kendi.

 Amber is also a documentary filmmaker, who has held prominent positions at NBC News, Teen Vogue, and Black Entertainment Television. She’s a 2004 grad of the University of Virginia.

Amber talked about learning how to speak up, to stand up for stories, and to build and lead in her previous jobs. She explained how The Emancipator comes up with its print, video, social, and event ideas.

These included

- A series of pieces on the anniversary of the death of Vincent Chin

- Stories explaining what redlining is

- Articles related to a documentary about how the recall of a judge led to harsher and more disproportionate sentences for Black convicted criminals.

- A community gathering to discuss issues Black women face regarding breastfeeding.

Amber’s advice: Rewrite your job description annually to what you want it to be

Amber’s salute: Madeleine Bair, El Timpano

Thank you as always for listening. Please send us feedback at [email protected], visit our website at thejournalismsalute.org and Mark's website (MarkSimonmedia.com) or tweet us at @journalismpod