BLCK Press expanding footprint, launches newsroom to address lack of diversity in reporting ranks

BLCK Press, an independent news organization headed by Georgia Fort, is expanding its footprint to create a newsroom of multimedia storytellers dedicated to changing the racial narrative in Minnesota.

Under the leadership of Fort, early career BIPOC journalists will gain hands-on experience and mentorship while earning a livable wage. The new initiative will address the lack of opportunities in the Twin Cities metro area for reporters of color who are just starting their careers, allowing them to gain skills and experience without moving far from home and their communities. It will also help Twin Cities media outlets address a significant lack of diversity in their reporting ranks, providing them with a local source of talented multimedia journalists.

Fort has hired veteran Twin Cities journalist Marianne Combs to serve as her news director.