Lede New Orleans

Lede New Orleans is a community media hub transforming how journalism serves the people of our city. We do that by training emerging Black and Brown storytellers, amplifying stories that respond to local needs, and fostering trusted spaces for civic discussion. We envision a future where we've unlocked the potential of beaucoup creative minds and storytellers to eliminate information inequity and build stronger, civically engaged communities.

Lede New Orleans was founded in 2020 by Jen Larino, a local journalist, and Ejaaz Mason, a local filmmaker and educator. The founders sought to meet a need for information and stories that are responsive and relevant to New Orleans' Black and brown communities by equipping local young people with skills, tools and resources to document their communities and make media. Through a global pandemic, racial unrest and social isolation, we've executed on that vision with the guidance of a leadership team with more than 80 years of combined experience in media, business and engagement in New Orleans.

Since March 2020, Lede New Orleans has trained 45young people in multimedia journalism and civic leadership through its paid Community Reporting Fellowship program; published 175 pieces of original youth-produced media about local issues; and connected more than 500 community members to the work of the fellowship through events that foster trusted space for civic dialogue and storytelling.

Testimonials

"The aspect of my fellowship that I valued the most are the people I've met, both as part of the Lede New Orleans community and the New Orleans community. Also, the strengthening of my multimedia storytelling skills, but from a community-based perspective instead of a fact-driven, traditional news approach." - Liza Montgomery, Fall 2023 Community Reporting Fellow

"Working with Lede New Orleans, I value meeting everyone and learning about their aspirations , goals, and experiences. I value the lessons I learned while being here. I value being apart of a fellowship that values me as a person and pushes me succeed." - Mylah Joseph, Summer 2024 Community Reporting Fellow