Arionne Nettles, a Florida A&M University (FAMU) School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC) professor, was recently named the winner of 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, part of the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago annual awards, celebrates the exceptional contributions of storytellers who capture the city’s essence through their work. Nettles’ book, published in 2024, 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.
“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.”
In addition to receiving accolades for her award-winning book, Nettles also recently published Journalism for Dummies, as part of the “for dummies”™ brand. The book is described as a ”comprehensive and approachable entry point for anyone seeking to produce pieces with journalistic integrity.”
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.
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.
