--- title: 8 Reporters To Pitch For Black History Month - Blog description: Discover 8 reporters to pitch for Black History Month. Highlight your stories and initiatives with journalists who celebrate Black culture, history, and achievements. image: https://blog.onepitch.co/hubfs/Pitching%20Regional%20and%20Local%20vs.%20National%20Media-3.png --- [![OnePitch](https://blog.onepitch.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/OnePitch_May2025/images/onepitch-logo-black.svg "OnePitch")](https://onepitch.co/) - [Product](https://onepitch.co/product-features/overview/) - Media Lists - [MFY Media Lists](https://onepitch.co/media-lists/build) - [DFY Media Lists](https://onepitch.co/media-lists/dfy-media-list-submit/) - Resources - [AI Tools Hub](https://ai-hub.onepitch.co/) - [Contact](https://onepitch.co/contact-us/support) ## 8 Reporters To Pitch For Black History Month ![8 Reporters To Pitch For Black History Month](https://blog.onepitch.co/hubfs/Pitching%20Regional%20and%20Local%20vs.%20National%20Media-3.png) [Roundups](https://blog.onepitch.co/tag/roundups) [Pitch Tips](https://blog.onepitch.co/tag/pitch-tips) 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](https://onepitch.co/plg-signup-v1/step-1)! ## **1 - [Akili King, Essence](https://www.akiliking.com/about)**   **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](https://www.essence.com/gallery/cicely-tyson-inspiring-beauty-moments/) **Socials**: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/akili_/?hl=en), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/akili-king-02b867ab/) **Location**: Brooklyn, NY     ## **2 - [Chase DiBenedetto, Mashable](https://mashable.com/author/chase-dibenedetto)**   **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](https://mashable.com/article/2024-digital-activism-organizing-palestine-election) **Socials:** [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-dibenedetto/) **Location:** Brooklyn, NY   ## **3 - [Daniel Johnson, Black Enterprise](https://www.blackenterprise.com/author/daniel-johnson/)**   **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’](https://www.blackenterprise.com/doj-tulsa-race-massacre-coordinated-attack/)** **Socials**: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-johnson-2a4a6399/), [X](https://x.com/God_sgift_) **Location**: Houston, TX   ## **4 - [Jack Smart, PEOPLE Magazine](https://jacksmartwrites.com)**   **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)](https://people.com/aunjanue-ellis-taylor-celebrates-prince-on-black-history-month-exclusive-8553470) **Socials**: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jacksmartwrites/), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacorey-moon-9b4b93105/) **Location**: Los Angeles, CA     ## **5 -  [Melissa Noel, Essence](https://melissanoel.com)**   **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?](https://www.essence.com/holidays/black-holiday-celebrations-beyond-christmas/) **Socials**: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/livefrommelissa/?hl=en) **Location**: New York, NY     ![Line for blog](https://blog.onepitch.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Line%20for%20blog.png?width=5052&height=192&name=Line%20for%20blog.png) ### Want a list of 30+ writers to watch covering Black History Month?   Click below to sign up and receive your list!   [![Create Account](https://blog.onepitch.co/hs-fs/hubfs/hub_generated/resized/7052357d-9f75-4e56-84e8-25dfef6dcee5.png?width=250&height=52&name=7052357d-9f75-4e56-84e8-25dfef6dcee5.png)](https://onepitch.co/plg-signup-v1/step-1) ![Line for blog](https://blog.onepitch.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Line%20for%20blog.png?width=5052&height=192&name=Line%20for%20blog.png)   ## **6 - [Michael Harriot, The Grio](https://thegrio.com/author/michael-harriot/#google_vignette)**   **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](https://thegrio.com/2024/11/22/we-need-to-have-an-uncomfortable-conversation-about-america/)** **Socials: [X](https://x.com/michaelharriot?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor)** **Location**: Birmingham, AL   ## **7 - [Sheena Butler-Young, Business of Fashion](https://www.businessoffashion.com/authors/sheena-butler-young/)**   **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](https://www.businessoffashion.com/podcasts/workplace-talent/the-debrief-the-future-of-dei-and-esg-in-a-hostile-political-environment/) **Socials**: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/sheena.butler.young/), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheena-butler-young-b8072234/) **Location**: New York, NY   ## **8 - [Simone E. Morris, Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonemorris/)**   **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](https://www.forbes.com/sites/simonemorris/2025/01/10/the-power-of-inclusive-leadership-lessons-from-jimmy-carters-legacy/) **Socials**: [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/simonemorrisent), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/) **Location**: Norwalk, CT   Don't forget: if you want to see a larger list of journalists like these one, click [here](https://onepitch.co/plg-signup-v1/step-1) to get the list for free on OnePitch!   –––––––––––––––   ### ***Want more blogs like this?***   Fill out the form below to subscribe to our newsletter and receive emails with the top blogs from The TypeBar!   #### The OnePitch Tea Get made-for-you media lists, interviews with amazing journalists from our podcast and live feedback sessions, and event opportunities with our Pitch Posse—everything you need to pitch smarter. #### Follow us Connect with us on social media [In](https://www.instagram.com/onepitchsaas/) [X](https://twitter.com/onepitchsaas/) [Li](https://www.linkedin.com/company/onepitchsaas/) [Tt](https://www.tiktok.com/@onepitch_saas/) [Yt](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyFUQD_FX-_VhtQNlen79fg/) #### Related topics [Roundups](https://blog.onepitch.co/tag/roundups) [Pitch Tips](https://blog.onepitch.co/tag/pitch-tips) - Feb 27, 2025 ##### [8 Journalists to Watch for International Women's Day](https://onepitch-3865253.hs-sites.com/the-onepitch/8-journalists-to-watch-for-international-womens-day-0-1) Feb 27,As International Women’s Day approaches in March, it’s the perfect time to spotlight the... 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