The International Center for Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists have announced the launch of an effort to help journalists of color build their portfolios, strengthen their brands, and engage wider audiences.

Funded by the Facebook Journalism Project, the initiative will provide practical web training for thirty journalists who are Black, Indigenous, or from other communities of color (BIPOC) on developing their online brand as well as sessions on topics such as building a profile as a public figure, digital tools and security, and audience-engagement strategies for various social media platforms. Once participants have completed the web training, they will be invited to apply for support, including funding, to develop news projects and products that promote their brand and engage audiences. At least ten of the most promising recipients will move on to mentorships and product development training.

"Black, Indigenous, and other journalists of color face obstacles breaking into the field and rising to positions of leadership," said ICFJ vice president of programs Johanna Carrillo. "This initiative will give these reporters tools to raise their profiles online and deepen trust with their audiences — increasingly vital skills in today’s digital environment."