NYC Youth Journalism Coalition announces J-Day, a day of action with the Black, Latino & Asian Caucus (BLAC) to expand youth journalism access

NEW YORK, NY – The NYC Youth Journalism Coalition, in collaboration with the New York City Council’s Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, will hold a day of action at City Hall on April 18.

Students, journalists and educators from across the city will come together on the steps of City Hall at 9 a.m. to raise awareness of the youth journalism gap and announce Journalism for All, an initiative to expand journalism programs in schools that have been historically underserved. The initiative will be anchored by a groundbreaking new high school journalism curriculum and teacher training from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.

With journalists of color only representing 22% of the workforce, exposing public high school students to journalism career pathways comes at a critical moment for the industry. Of the 50 NYC public high schools with the highest percentage of White students, 76% have a student newspaper. But only 8% of schools with the highest percentage of Black students, and 16% of schools with the highest percentage of Latino students, have a publication.

"As Chair of the Committee on Education and a lifelong educator I am committed to amplifying youth voices and fostering inclusivity in our city. I wholeheartedly support the Youth Journalism Coalition's advocacy measures to expand access to journalism to New York City students,” said Council Member Rita Joseph, chair of the Committee on Education. “I stand united in advocating for increased diversity and equal opportunities in journalism, particularly for our youth. The goals of the Youth Journalism Coalition align perfectly with our mission to empower the next generation of journalists, especially those from underrepresented communities. Together, we will work tirelessly to break down barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in media.”

”As Co-Chair of the Black, Latino & Asian Caucus and a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment, I wholeheartedly support the NYC Youth Journalism Coalition's mission to broaden access to journalism for students across New York City," said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "It's imperative that we expand inclusive opportunities for our young people, especially those from underrepresented communities, to amplify their voices and pursue careers in media. As legislators, it is our responsibility to actively create space and opportunities for marginalized individuals in realms where they have been historically overlooked. I look forward to the positive impact that Journalism for All will bring to our city's youth."

“Empowering youth to tell the stories of their communities, the diverse experiences of New Yorkers, the many ways we resist and deliver joy, and do so with facts and fairness is my priority. I support youth pursuing journalism and see it as fundamental to a stronger more representative democracy. The NYC Youth Journalism Coalition's day of action, supported by the Council’s BLAC, marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to amplifying diverse voices in the media from a young age. As a member of the BLAC and the Education Committee, I proudly and proactively care about this initiative, recognizing its vital role in bridging the youth journalism gap and fostering accessibility and inclusivity in our city. Together, we must encourage more youth in journalism careers to pave the way for a more equitable future in the world of journalism.” added Council Member Shahana Hanif. 

“This groundbreaking curriculum is poised to change the landscape of youth journalism in New York,” said Graciela Mochkofsky, dean of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. “Ensuring equitable access to journalism opportunities at the high school level is a critical step in fostering a civically engaged population, as well as cultivating future generations of mission-driven journalists who come from all the communities that make up our society.” 

J-Day is sponsored by The Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, with support from Councilmember Rita Joseph, who plans to introduce a resolution in support of Journalism for All at the City Council’s stated meeting that afternoon.

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