Just two months ago, Word in Black launched, making us the first-of-our-kind national newsroom powered by a collaboration of the country’s leading Black publishers. Since our launch, we’ve produced groundbreaking stories, including our recent exploration into navigating vaccines among middle schoolers.
Here’s the breakdown: As the start of the new school year looms, the CDC released new guidelines for schools that allow vaccinated students to opt out of wearing masks. But with COVID-19 vaccines only available to people aged 12 or older and middle school students range 11-14 years old, various questions have been raised: Will students be required to show vaccination cards in order to forgo masks? Will teachers be responsible for knowing which students are vaccinated? At a time in life when peer pressure is at its most persuasive, will young people be encouraged or discouraged to get vaccinated?
These are the kinds of stories Word in Black will continue to bring you and we’re working hard to provide the coverage you need to be informed. But in order to continue to tell our stories, our work needs your support.
Want to help influence our coverage? We’re asking readers to provide feedback about what’s going on in your communities: Are you satisfied with the way your local officials have handled the reopening of schools during the pandemic? Are you concerned about the health and safety of your children as they return to school in the fall? Respond to this email with your thoughts.
Your support of Word in Black is an investment into our work of shaping how the nation understands and addresses systemic issues of race, justice and equity. We deeply appreciate your support, and we look forward to reporting, collecting and sharing stories about real people in communities across our country.
Sincerely,
Nick Charles
Managing Director, Word in Black
P.S. Join us at our event, ‘A New Beginning: How safe is reopening all schools for the 2021-2022 School Year?’, featuring Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Public Health Expert Dr. Leana Wen, and more. Stay tuned for details!
