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This accolade marks a significant milestone in Dr. Eley Kelly's career and contributes to an era of inclusive and community-focused news delivery in the greater Wichita area.
In a victory for local journalism and community representation, The Millennial Black Professor® (The MBP) Owner and Principal Consultant, Dr. Latasha Eley Kelly, has been announced as a recipient of the Wichita Foundation Info Challenge Grant. This accolade marks a significant milestone in Dr. Eley Kelly's career and contributes to an era of inclusive and community-focused news delivery in the greater Wichita area.
The journey to this momentous win began in early September when The MBP threw its hat in the ring amidst a competitive application process. With an October 20 deadline looming, the team worked diligently to curate a proposal that encapsulated the vision for a newsroom featuring podcasts dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and committed to creating a platform that informs, empowers, and cultivates perspective.
Dr. Eley Kelly was invited to interview in November, a crucial step that offered an opportunity to showcase the vision that would become TMBP Media. By late November, word arrived that TMBP Media was among the chosen three awarded a $30,000 grant, including a two-year membership with fiscal sponsor Tiny News Collective (TNC).
With the holidays approaching, Dr. Eley Kelly and her team faced the challenge of keeping news of their wine under wraps until the official announcement. Anticipation built over the festive season, culminating in an exhilarating start to the new year when the press release finally went public. "It was a test of patience and excitement," Dr. Eley Kelly shared. "But seeing our vision acknowledged and supported by such prestigious organizations was worth every moment of waiting."
This grant is the foundation for accomplishing TMBP Media's mission to establish a newsroom that enriches the community by giving voice to those often overlooked by mainstream media. Despite this being Dr. Eley Kelly's first venture into journalism, she is familiar with the art of storytelling. With expertise in qualitative research, she intends to leverage her academic background to ethically gather and share stories, ensuring that community members who contribute to and participate in this work are honored and respected.
The Info Challenge Grant, a collaboration between the Tiny News Collective and the Wichita Foundation, aims to foster a more inclusive news landscape by supporting local news entrepreneurs. TMBP Media embodies this goal.
As TMBP Media embarks on this new journey, the work is not just about creating a news outlet; it's about building a movement that champions diversity, empowers communities, and reimagines the narrative of local news in Wichita and beyond. With the backing of the Wichita Foundation and the Tiny News Collective, TMBP Media will become a leader in innovative and inclusive journalism.