Richard Brown, a standout student from Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication (FAMU SJGC), has been selected to participate in the distinguished 2024 HBCU Media Collective, an initiative spearheaded by Dow Jones and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Brown, alongside seven other promising student journalists from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), will embark on a transformative journey designed to hone their skills in business reporting.
“I am beyond thrilled to be a part of this year’s HBCU Media Collective,” said Brown. “I’m excited to learn from journalists and editors at The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, and MarketWatch about the fundamentals of business reporting – and grateful I get to share the experience with fellow HBCU students.”
This year’s program is notable for its expansion to include an international component, where fellows will travel to London to gain exposure to News Corp properties such as The Times and The Sun.
The cohort will also participate in graduate-level courses at Columbia University and receive hands-on training from Dow Jones journalists and editors.
According to a press release from Dow Jones, the program aims to “empower emerging journalists with business news reporting skills and global mobility while promoting newsroom diversity.”
The selection process was highly competitive, with participants handpicked by deans and faculty members from prestigious institutions such as Howard University, Morehouse College, Morgan State University, Spelman College, and newly added Bowie State University, North Carolina A&T, and FAMU.
“The expansion of the HBCU Media Collective underscores the shared commitment we have with Columbia in developing bespoke learning opportunities to identify and mentor the next generation of aspiring journalists,” said Brent Jones, SVP of Training, Culture & Community at Dow Jones in a press release.
Brown credited the FAMU chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) for introducing him to the opportunity and highlighting the vital role that university clubs and organizations play in student development and professional growth.
As the 2024 cohort prepares to dive into their assignments, the anticipation is high for what the future holds for the young journalists, with Brown eager to represent FAMU’s SJGC.
