Houreidja Tall is a former employee of Capital B.
What I do at Capital B
I am the social media manager at Capital B. I amplify the stories our reporters write and interact with readers and the community to help foster audience engagement.
Why I came to Capital B
I attended the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, where I was in the engagement journalism program. During my time in the program, I worked with West African hair braiders in Harlem to produce stories and projects alongside the community. I’ve also written for publications such as Harper’s Bazaar, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Documented. Most of my stories have involved Black people in some way. I was drawn to Capital B because I wanted to continue using my engagement skills with a Black media organization where I would have a role in shaping how the stories are experienced. Black people are always at the center of the work I do.
Where I’m from
I was born and raised in New York City to parents from Mali and Senegal. I love this city so much because the cultural enclaves are so interesting. Harlem, in particular, has my heart. It’s where I grew up and, although it’s changing, there are still cultural remnants from my childhood that are alive and well.
The song I’m listening to on repeat right now
“Home” by Lion Babe
My favorite Black storytellers/creators
My mother is one of my favorite storytellers. Throughout my life, she would tell me stories about her childhood, adolescence and young adulthood in Bamako, Mali, and it was an invaluable way to remain tied to the continent through her memories while growing up in the United States. To this day, she always has a new story to tell me about what her life was like in West Africa.
Also, bell hooks, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and Patricia Hill Collins were vital to my decision to major in Women’s and Gender Studies in undergraduate school and in my evolution as a Black feminist.
Where you can find me
You can connect with me @houreidja on Twitter or Instagram or contact me at houreidja.tall@capitalbnews.org.