Black History Month, celebrated every February in the United States, is a time to honor the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. It’s an opportunity to reflect on their lasting impact on the nation’s culture and progress while learning about and celebrating their experiences across all areas of society.

This month also provides a meaningful chance to amplify Black voices, brands, stories, and achievements across industries. To ensure your message resonates, it's essential to connect with journalists who focus on Black culture, history, and contemporary issues. Whether you’re promoting a groundbreaking initiative, highlighting influential community leaders, or celebrating Black excellence, here are eight reporters whose work aligns with impactful storytelling to pitch this February.

P.S. You can download the whole list of 30+ journalists on OnePitch by creating a free account here!

1 - Akili King, Essence

Role: Senior Beauty Editor

About: Akili King is the Senior Beauty Editor at ESSENCE Magazine and a columnist for The Cut and Vogue. A graduate of NYU Gallatin, she studied Creative Writing, Africana Studies, Journalism, and French. Previously, she was Senior Editor at Rose Inc and Beauty Editor at Vogue, where she wrote columns like "Best Beauty Instagrams" and co-created Texture Diaries, celebrating Black hair and beauty.

Recent Coverage: Cicely Tyson’s Most Inspiring Beauty Moments

Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn

Location: Brooklyn, NY

2 - Chase DiBenedetto, Mashable

Role: Social Good Reporter
About: Chase joined Mashable's Social Good team in 2020, covering online stories about digital activism, climate justice, accessibility, and media representation. Her work also touches on how these conversations manifest in politics, popular culture, and fandom.

Recent Coverage: Moments of digital organizing that defined 2024
Socials: LinkedIn
Location: Brooklyn, NY

3 - Daniel Johnson, Black Enterprise

Role: Writer
About: Daniel Johnson is a writer for Black Enterprise, a Black-owned multimedia company providing business resources for African Americans. Based in Texas, his work also appears in Essence, Teen Vogue, Scalawag, Level, Black Youth Project, and Prism Reports. A writer, poet, and music lover, Daniel brings a multifaceted perspective to his work.

Recent Coverage: Justice Department Finds 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre ‘Coordinated, Systematic Attack’

Socials: LinkedIn, X
Location: Houston, TX

4 - Jack Smart, PEOPLE Magazine

Role: Movies Staff Writer
About: Jack Smart is a Los Angeles-based culture writer, editor, critic, and activist. He has interviewed some of today's biggest stars of stage and screen as a senior-level journalist, event moderator, and podcast host. 

Recent Coverage: Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor on Who She Celebrates During Black History Month: ‘Let’s Talk About Prince’ (Exclusive)
Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn
Location: Los Angeles, CA

5 -  Melissa Noel, Essence

Role: Contributing News and Politics Editor 
About: Melissa Noel is an award-winning journalist, host and media entrepreneur who built a distinguished career in television news and digital media with work that centers on reporting issues impacting the global Black diaspora.

Recent Coverage: Did You Know About These Black Holiday Celebrations Beyond Christmas?
Socials: Instagram
Location: New York, NY

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6 - Michael Harriot, The Grio

Role: Columnist
About: Michael Harriot is a columnist at theGrio.com where he covers the intersection of race, politics, and culture. His work has appeared in the Washington Post, The Atlantic, NBC, BET and more.

Recent Coverage: We need to have an uncomfortable conversation about America

Socials: X

Location: Birmingham, AL

7 - Sheena Butler-Young, Business of Fashion

Role: Senior Correspondent
About: Sheena Butler-Young is Senior Correspondent at The Business of Fashion (BoF). She is based in New York and covers workplace, talent and issues surrounding diversity and inclusion. She is the former deputy editor of Footwear News magazine and the recipient of Penske Media Corporation’s Journalistic & Creative Excellence Award for her coverage of diversity issues in fashion.

Recent Coverage: The Future of DEI and ESG in a Hostile Political Environment
Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn
Location: New York, NY

8 - Simone E. Morris, Forbes

Role: Contributor
About: Simone E. Morris is an award-winning Inclusive Leadership Expert and contributor since 2020. As a trainer, coach, and speaker, she empowers leaders to build thriving, inclusive workplaces. Founder of the Inclusive Leadership Impact Awards, she celebrates leaders fostering inclusivity. Her custom Inclusive Leadership Immersion Program helps leaders address bias and navigate the future workplace inclusively.

Recent Coverage: The Power Of Inclusive Leadership: Lessons From Jimmy Carter’s Legacy
Socials: Instagram, LinkedIn
Location: Norwalk, CT

Don't forget: if you want to see a larger list of journalists like these one, click here to get the list for free on OnePitch!

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