The 19th, an independent nonprofit newsroom that reports on gender and policy, has announced the inaugural cohort of fellows who will work to create meaningful pipelines for those historically excluded from U.S. newsrooms. 

Named for the “mother of African-American journalism,” the Frances Ellen Watkins Harper Fellowship provides recent graduates and mid-career alumni of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with a yearlong salaried fellowship in editorial, audience engagement, or newsroom technology, as well as full benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan. The fellowship is funded with a $3.8 million gift from Michelle Mercer and Bruce Golden. This year’s fellows include Ashaki “Nzingha” Thompson-Hall, (Morehouse School of Medicine), who has been selected as an audience fellow; Jamila Wood, (Clark Atlanta University), who will join the product and technology team; Rebekah Barber, (North Carolina Central University); and Daja E. Henry and Katherine Gilyard, (both alumni of Howard University), who will serve as editorial fellows. 

“I know how difficult it is to get the support and preparation needed to cover issues important to our communities,” said Kari Cobham, the 19th’s director of fellowships and an HBCU alumna. “The 19th has set out to change that.”

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