The State of Affairs in Media 💻
Spread the love, forward to a friend!
View this email in your browser
#WednesdayWisdom
"The money is there. Know your worth. Listen to your gut. There will be another opportunity." — Morgan Jerkins
Morning Musings
Last week, author and former New York Times digital editor Jamal Jordan aka @lostblackboy on the interwebs tweeted: "Given the state of the industry, is it ethical to encourage people to pursue jobs in journalism?"
It's a question I've been reflecting on ever since. The tweet came a day after Medium founder Ev Williams announced both a buyout and leadership change to the editorial team.
If you've been following this newsletter for a while, then you know how much ZORA, Medium's digital magazine for Black women, means to me as both a writer and a Black woman. And learning that my favorite editors were accepting the buyout earlier this week absolutely gutted me. These women helped shaped me into the writer you see today and for that, I am immensely grateful.
So back to the question at hand, especially given my day-to-day work at a youth-led media organization. I'm often asked to speak to student journalists and Jordan's question is one I've been grappling with for a quite a while now.
I don't know that it's unethical, but I do believe it's necessary to share the reality of the industry. Layoffs are inevitable. Buyouts will happen. The pay leaves a LOT to desire. Media is not for the faint of heart.
And at the same time, there's nothing else I'd rather do. There were other things I tried to do (media relations, PR, communications) and, to be clear, I was damn good at them. But my heart, my soul is in writing. It is my first love, my lifelong love. It's who I am and always will be.
Yesterday, I had an opportunity to speak at the Black Women in Media conference to student journalists at FAMU. I was joking with a colleague that at this point in my career, I'm embracing my "journalism auntie" status. I still have plenty to say, so I'm not going anywhere. And I recognize the importance of passing the mic, lifting as I climb and paving a way for the next generation of storytellers to succeed.
As they peppered me with questions about what's like to be a successful journalist, I keep it real with them. I emphasize the importance of healthy self-care routines, therapy and wellness to avoid burnout, especially as Black women who are so often reporting on race as well. I invite them to celebrate rejection (yes, you read right), have a pity party and then get back in the ring. I tell them how important relationships are in media, because it's not always what you know, but who you know (and who they know).
I try to impart everything I've learned in the last 13 years of professional writing and editing because newsrooms need young voices, they need diverse voices. I've seen the future of media, y'all (at least when it comes to the storytellers) and the future is bright.
Love,
L'Oreal
ICYMI
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of interviewing Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay of Higher Learning. We discussed Verzuz, the Obamas and, of course, Kanye West. Read my latest for Shondaland for more.Â
Oh and my tweet about supporting Asian American friends was quoted in PopSugar.
Friendly reminder that you can support both the AAPI and Black journalists therapy funds here.
Upcoming Events
April 14:Â Secure the Bag: Salary Negotiation 101. I'm excited to partner with YWCA Evanston/North Shore for this FREE webinar in honor of Financial Literacy and Black Women's History Month.
Links I Love
1. "A Bitch Is Tired" — Black Women & Racial Burnout. Let's Talk About It. (Refinery 29)
2. What Has the Pandemic Done to Our Boundaries? (The Cut)
3. My White Adoptive Parents Struggled to See Me as Korean. Would They Have Understood My Anger at the Rise in Anti-Asian Violence? (TIME)
My Latest Obsession
My sister-in-law gets me. Get your planter at Rooted in Blk.
Now Hiring
Culture Change Manager: Entertainment & Advocacy for Caring Across Generations
Office Manager for Asian Americans Advancing Justice
Research Editor for Rolling Stone
Social Content Manager for Shondaland
Literary Agent Assistant for P.S. Literary AgencyÂ
Diversity Program Manager for Lyft
Manager, Speakers Bureau for Sesame Workshop
Operations Coordinator for Girls On The Run-Chicago
Thank You!
Much love and many thanks to Matt and Rosanne for buying this week's coffee!
Don't forget to check out the bonus items, including webinars on freelance writing and salary negotiation. Want to help fuel this newsletter and support my work? Click the button below!
Psst...did a friend forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here so you never miss an issue! Liked what you read? Be sure to follow using the buttons below.