When I first learned who Keri Mitchell was I was intrigued to learn more. When I do research on other journalist, they are usually just writers for a paper. To find out she is a community journalist, I wanted to learn more on why she does what she does. She started the Dallas Free Press in 2020 with the belief that neighborhoods deserve a voice, reporting and storytelling that has values to their communities and holds leaders accountable. Mitchell says she is energized by “knowing our work is making an impact-listening to people, telling their stories with strong narratives paired with compelling data that leads to change.” Mitchell has won multiple awards during her career that includes
· Finalist in Magazine Feature Reporting (2018)
· Finalist in Magazine Investing Reporting (2017) from Hugh Aynesworth Excellence in Journalism,
· Best Feature Story (2011) from Texas Community.
· Newspaper Association and Best Magazine Feature (2011) from Dallas Bar Association Philibin Awards.
I admire her work for the community. Her work inspires me to continue looking into different avenues I can take with my journalism degree.
Advocacy
Keri Mitchell is also an Advocate editor and reporter. During the height of the pandemic, Mitchell wrote an article on why parents were not being told about MAP test. Around September Dallas ISD wanted to figure out where the students were academically and these test were to help the teachers give the students the support they need. The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test helped teachers, parents and administrators improve the learning for students. There was never confirmation on why Dallas ISD was not communicating with the families about the MAP test. Information that may not have seemed important to the school district but was important to the parents was highlighted through her article.
A voice for the community
Keri Mitchell has been a community journalist for 15 years. In a Missions interview with Keri Mitchell of Dallas Free Press, Keri says “ I launched Dallas Free Press as a way to do community journalism and deep civic journalism in these communities.” She also feels that we need to listen to the voices of communities where problems are more prone. She does a lot of her community journalism work in areas such as South Dallas and West Dallas. The purpose of Dallas Free Press is to really amplify voices in disinvested Dallas neighborhoods and explore solutions to our city’s systematic inequities. They also partner with Dallas Weekly which is a legacy Dallas newspaper in South Dallas. They work together to build relationships during community gatherings. She felt that there needed to be a light that shines on bigger issues on these communities where advertiser are interested. She did research first to see if this kind of journalism was possible and after that she launched Dallas Free Press.
Determination
One thing that is admirable about Michelle is her admiration. She felt determined to give communities in Dallas a voice. I thought it’s honorable for a journalist to give these communities a voice. It makes your realize that communities in South Dallas have problems that do need to be addressed and deserved to be addressed. It’s not everyday that you come across a journalist who reports on communities that don’t get attention it deserves. She is very passionate about her work and the Dallas Free Press. Giving a voice to the voiceless is what she does.
I find Keri Mitchells work inspiring. Not only is she reporting and covering issues for these communities in Dallas; she is making them feel heard. There are times where journalists have a certain agenda they go by and often times will report on issues that that they deem are “Important.” Keri Mitchell does the opposite. I have been encouraged to step out the box and see what other opportunities are available with a degree in journalism. I hope one day I can make an impact and inspire others.
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