Earlier this month, the Michigan Chronicle’s executive editor, Jeremy Allen, and senior reporter, Ebony JJ Curry, welcomed a group of 20 fifth- and sixth-grade students from the Jack & Jill of America Detroit Chapter to the newspaper’s downtown office for an exciting, hands-on journalism experience.
The students, along with several parents, spent a few hours shadowing the Chronicle’s editorial team, learning the ropes of reporting and storytelling. The workshop kicked off with an introduction to the world of journalism and a history lesson about the Black Press, followed by an assignment where the students split into two groups—boys and girls, naturally—and set off into downtown Detroit to search for stories. Whether it was capturing community events or observing street life, the students quickly discovered how to find newsworthy moments in their surroundings.
Back at the office, the students collaborated to turn their observations into polished stories, with Allen and Curry offering guidance and insight along the way. The boys’ group reported on the Detroit Lions’ upcoming Monday Night Football game and some of the work that goes into making it happen, while the girls’ group focused on the rich history and resurgence of Detroit’s Paradise Valley.
As the workshop came to a close, the students shared their career aspirations with Allen and Curry, discussing everything from journalism and engineering to professional athletes and entrepreneurship. The day wrapped up with pizza and juice, leaving the young participants inspired and excited about the possibilities within the world of media and beyond.
This event provided an invaluable opportunity for these future leaders to engage with professionals and gain firsthand experience in the field of journalism. It also reinforced the importance of storytelling in shaping and reflecting the world around us.
