Arionne Nettles, a Florida A&M University (FAMU) School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) professor, has been named a finalist for the Chicago Reader’s Best New Nonfiction Book by a Chicagoan, earning recognition for her critically acclaimed work, We are the Culture: Black Chicago’s Influence on Everything.
The honor is part of the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago annual awards, which celebrates the exceptional contributions of storytellers who capture the city’s essence through their work. Nettles’ book, published earlier this year, explores how Black Chicagoans have boldly led pop culture in America and she uses her unique perspective to shed light upon the city’s cultural effects.
“I’m truly humbled to be a finalist among such incredible writers,” Nettles said. “This book is deeply personal and I’m grateful to know it resonates with readers.”
Nettles is currently listed on the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago website among several other award finalists. Voting for the awards began on Monday, December 2. Readers may select their favorite author from the multiple-choice options before voting closes at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31. The award recipients will be announced early next year in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago publication.
“This recognition motivates me to keep telling the stories that matter,” Nettles said. “Chicago has much to say, remains an extremely influential city, and I’m proud to be one of its voices.”
Nettles, a Chicago native, unapologetically takes on sensitive issues including, but not limited to, gun violence, policing, race and socio-economic disparities. In addition to her roles at FAMU as the Garth C. Reeves eminent scholar and digital journalism professor, Nettles has maintained her status as a journalist. Her writings have been included in the New York Times Opinion and the Chicago Reader, and she has served as the host of Bragging Rights, a podcast covering the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Prior to joining FAMU, Nettles held editorial roles at several prestigious media outlets including the Associated Press and the Chicago Defender — one of the oldest Black newspapers in the United States. She also previously served as a lecturer for Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her next book, Journalism for Dummies, part of the For Dummies series, will be released in 2025.
The Chicago Reader is Chicago’s self-proclaimed “alternative nonprofit newsroom.” The publication has been a respected media voice in the city for more than 50 years.
