What I do at Capital B
I’m the audience director at Capital B. My job is to figure out the best ways to deliver our work to you, whether it’s through our websites, newsletters, social media, news apps, or however you want to consume information. Another important part of my role is finding ways to create community. Don’t be surprised if you catch us in the Instagram comments or if we invite you to a convo we’re having in a Facebook group.
Why I came to Capital B
I want to help deliver timely and impactful stories to our community. I also love that Capital B is an organization that genuinely wants to hear from, and engage with, its audience. Journalism should be a public service and that’s how our co-founders Lauren Williams and Akoto Ofori-Atta, two super-talented and thoughtful women in our industry, have envisioned Capital B.
Where I’m from
I live in Texas, but I’m originally from the Washington, D.C., area — Prince George’s County to be exact. Growing up outside the nation’s capital, where laws and policies are shaped, made me realize early on how important it is to be informed. You can’t defend yourself well against forces you don’t understand. That’s one of the reasons I became a journalist. I wanted to help people better understand how those same forces shape the world around them.
The song I’m listening to on repeat right now
“You’re Everything” by Bun B feat. Rick Ross, David Banner, 8Ball & MJG
My favorite Black storytellers/creators
I always learn something from the elders in my family at our gatherings, whether it’s about our family, their communities or their experiences bearing witness to Black history. They were the first storytellers I encountered as a little girl during my summer trips to Georgia, or when I visited my grandmother’s house in northeast Washington. Sometimes the stories made me laugh and other times they taught me about survival. Each time they deepened my understanding of where I came from. For me, that’s the most important story of all.
Where you can find me
You can find me on Twitter @michilliams.