Two established journalists have joined the Michigan Chronicle’s editorial staff, injecting a fresh wave of talent and expertise into its newsroom. With their impressive accolades and unwavering dedication to impactful storytelling, Multimedia Journalist Lynzee Mychael and Senior Staff Writer Ebony JJ Curry are poised to make significant contributions to the publication’s journalistic tradition.
Mychael joined the Chronicle earlier this year in February and has hit the ground running. She has a diverse background as a former Creative Director and media expert, and has held significant roles such as Senior Editor for Beautiful Machine Atlanta and Three Reasons Y Detroit, two digital publications specializing in lifestyle, fashion and Black culture. Mychael is a Wayne State University graduate with a degree in public relations and journalism, and currently resides in Detroit.
The multifaceted storyteller specializes in entertainment reporting with a concentration in music, but she also focuses on breaking news, business, STEM and community news.
“I am excited to tell dope Black stories. I’ve always enjoyed getting to tell stories in the city I love,” Mychael said. “I went to high school here downtown, college here downtown, and now to be working here, it’s really a full-circle experience and I’m so excited to be doing what I love, where I love.”
Curry joined the Chronicle in June as a senior reporter. A Detroit native, Curry holds a master’s degree in journalism (concentrating in video and broadcast) from Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism along with a bachelor’s in communications media from Alabama A&M University. Prior to working as a reporter for Mid-Michigan’s ABC12-WJRT, Curry served as a Press Assistant for the Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer and as the Director of Communications for District 2 Michigan State Senator Adam Hollier.
“Caroline Wanga, president and CEO of Essence, said: ‘If you can’t be who you are, where you are, then change where you are, not who you are,’” Curry said. “To be able to be a part of Black press and tell stories of our people, for our people and by our people has been a lifelong goal of mine since the age of eight. It’s empowering to be the next generation of the Michigan Chronicle and more empowering to uplift and uphold the stories of our people.”
Additionally, Curry isn’t the first person in her family to work at the Michigan Chronicle. Curry’s mother Gwendolyn West was a Jill-of-all-trades at the publication over the course of her 16-year Chronicle stint. West started in 1994 as an executive assistant before handling duties in finance, production, sales and editorial before she left in 2010.
Hiram Jackson, publisher of the Michigan Chronicle and CEO of its parent company Real Times Media, said he’s excited to bring on the talented journalists and that he’s eager to see how they help evolve the publication’s storytelling.
“We welcome Lynzee Mychael and Ebony JJ Curry as our new staff writers, both bringing unique backgrounds and talents that will enrich our coverage and reflect the diverse voices of our community,” said Jackson. “We are committed to providing the highest quality journalism, and these strategic additions to our team will ensure that the Michigan Chronicle continues to thrive.”