The South Jersey Information Equity Project was conceived at the Center for Cooperative Media in late 2019 through a partnership with the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. Its goal is to address media inequity in South Jersey, specifically by seeking to improve the quality and quantity of news and information produced by and for communities of color.
The next phase of the project will seek to support and elevate Black media makers specifically in Camden, Gloucester and Burlington counties — including those who identify as journalists and those who do not — and connect them with resources, funding and platform partners to share their work.
The goals are to amplify stories by and for the Black community in our three target counties, build trust and community connections through media making, and strengthen the networks between Black journalists, media and communities in South Jersey.
Latest updates + events:
New Jersey lawmakers want to create a sickle cell registry to provide ‘genetic counseling’
By Charles Curtis, III | March 20, 2023
Recently, the New Jersey State Assembly passed a bill establishing a central registry for sickle cell trait diagnoses that provides informational outreach and genetic counseling.
Tonya Breland, Erika Leak lead DEI cause with TESO
By Tyriq DeShields | March 15, 2023
Breland and Leak are the leaders of the Burlington County-based Teach Educators and Scholars Organization, or TESO. The organization is leading an initiative to make education more inclusive for everybody, mainly those in underserved communities.
Addressing period poverty in New Jersey
March 9, 2023
Period poverty happens when someone can’t afford menstrual hygiene products, and New Jersey lawmakers hope to address the issue with new legislation.
Black Authors Showcase highlights new stories
By Tyriq DeShields | March 7, 2023
Local African American authors shared their stories — from historical resistance, overcoming personal challenges to learning about new heroes — at the Black Authors Showcase at Curate Noir inside Moorestown Mall on March 4.
New Jersey advocates react to anti-transgender bills
March 1, 2023
This story tracks anti-transgender legislation in New Jersey and provides reactions from people in the community.
Willingboro Rec and Parks, Faith In Action celebrate Black History Month
By Sade Osuji | Feb. 18, 2023
Willingboro Township’s Recreation and Parks Department celebrated Black History Month with a series of events that focused on the Black arts and health.
South Jersey Information Equity Project welcomes 2023 reporting fellows
Feb. 6, 2023
Read on to learn more about the 2023 cohort of SJIEP reporting fellows: Mya Calderon, Charles Curtis, III, Tyriq DeShields, Sade Osuji, and Jenise Rolle.
Meet Celeste Whittaker: SJIEP reporting fellowship adviser
Jan. 25, 2023
Veteran sports journalist will help guide and mentor South Jersey reporting fellows in 2023.
New SJIEP reporting fellowship cohort launches in South Jersey
Jan. 16, 2023
Four new fellows will produce solutions-based, restorative narratives with and for communities of color in Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington counties
South Jersey Information Equity Project congratulates inaugural reporting fellows and announces plans for second cohort in 2023
Nov. 2, 2022
We’re looking forward to our next round of reporting fellowships!
Thanks so much to everyone who came out to celebrate our 2022 SJIEP fellows!
More info, plus a recap and some video coming soon!
South Jersey Information Equity Project welcomes five inaugural fellows
May 9, 2022
First cohort will produce restorative narrative-oriented stories about and for Black communities in South Jersey
The latest from our fellows:
Black creatives in South Jersey are striving despite COVID-19 hurdles
By Ahnyah Pinckney | Scoops USA Media
Nov. 1, 2022
New Black-owned businesses are making their way into Moorestown Mall
By Ahnyah Pinckney | Scoops USA Media
Oct. 18, 2022
New Soles helps youth step into their purpose
By Charles Curtis III | Front Runner New Jersey
Sept. 5, 2022
Camden open mic spreads ‘good vibes’ and supports local artists
By Charles Curtis III | Scoop USA Media
Aug. 30, 2022
Camden’s open gym: A new model for community policing
By Charles Curtis III | Front Runner New Jersey | Black In Jersey
Aug. 25, 2022
The South Jersey Information Equity Project is a project of the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University.