As a fellow for The Washington Informer through Comcast NBCUniversal’s Digital Equity Local Voices Lab, Jada Ingleton knows and appreciates the value of the 60-year publication’s educational outreach.
A former intern, turned digital equity fellow and soon-to-be staffer, Ingleton, a 2024 graduate of Howard University’s Cathy Hughes School of Communications, said The Informer has not only helped kick-start her career, but taught her about the importance of the Black Press.
“Since I’ve had the honor and privilege to serve in the Black Press, I’ve been able to see firsthand the vital role of these publications in telling our stories, championing justice, and shaping generational prosperity in our community,” Ingleton told The Informer.
Covering student achievements, highlighting educators, diving into issues facing schools, partnering with programs, and celebrating changemakers in education has been critical to The Washington Informer’s work throughout the past 60 years.
With partnerships at local high schools and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), plus Washington Informer Charities’ D.C. and Prince George’s County Spelling Bees, the media outlet has not only reported about education, but uplifted it as a key tool toward equity and success.
“The Washington Informer has been an invaluable supporter of our journalism program and key partner for HUNewsService.com,” said Dr. Yanick Rice Lamb, Howard University professor of journalism and editorial director of HUNewsService.com. “No matter what we request, The Informer always comes through — especially [Washington Informer Publisher] Denise Rolark Barnes.”
Moreover, with internship programs and regular educational community engagement efforts, The Washington Informer is dedicated to helping build and prepare the next generation of journalists and media makers.
“Denise and other Informer staff regularly come to campus to speak not only to college students, but also to high schoolers in the Howard University Multicultural Media Academy,” Rice Lamb continued.
Dr. Cherie Ward, director of Archbishop Carroll High School’s Jim Vance Media Program, said The Informer has been a major part of her young journalism students’ formation. With copies of the newspaper to greet anyone who walks through Carroll’s front doors, and Rolark Barnes serving on the media program’s advisory committee, The Informer’s educational outreach has been critical for Ward’s students, particularly in an age of misinformation.
“The Washington Informer has been very instrumental in reinforcing the importance of pure journalism based on research and facts,” Ward said. “When Managing Editor Micha Green spoke to students at Archbishop Carroll High School’s Jim Vance Media Program, she provided an opportunity for students to ask questions following her discussion about the principles, practices and techniques of storytelling and how excellent writing skills are the foundation to the profession.”
In addition, The Informer is not just about building up reporters, but featuring their work.
“The Informer regularly publishes student work and covers our activities. It has provided internships, jobs, mentors and a home at its offices for students reporting in the field,” Rice Lamb said. “We also collaborated on environmental reporting for Earth Day with a focus on cleanup of the Anacostia River.”
Further, The Informer not only teaches about journalism and legacy of the Black Press, but offers young journalists a deeper understanding of African American history, resilience, strength and D.C. culture.
“I chose to go to an HBCU to expand and deepen my understanding of Black culture, and The Informer has only catapulted that growth,” Ingleton said. “The beauty of this experience is you’re ingrained into the city, into an atmosphere that tests who you are as a journalist, and our resilient staff and remarkable leadership has shown me exactly who I aim to be.”
Rice Lamb celebrated The Informer’s contributions as the publication marks six decades of storytelling and community and educational engagement.
“We congratulate The Informer on being a pillar of the community for more than half a century,” she said. “Here’s to another 60 years and more!”