By Onz Chery
In a nod of support to The Haitian Times mission of providing quality news and information about Haitians and Haitian-Americans, three organizations recently awarded grants to the 21-year-old news outlet.
The grants — one from Report for America (RFA), another from the Solutions Journalism Network and a third from the Racial Equity in Journalism Fund/American Press Institute — will support the digital publication’s editorial and business operations.
“We pride ourselves on providing quality content that elevates our community and raises our voices,” said Managing Editor Macollvie J. Neel. “These grants will augment our efforts to deepen connections with the community, while presenting content in innovative ways.”
The Report For America grant will support a Florida reporter to cover the largest Haitian-American community in the United States. Once selected, the Florida reporter will begin their two-year tenure in June 2021.
“Without the support of Report for America, it would be that much harder to provide the coverage our readers are asking for and deserve,” said Vania Andre, The Haitian Times’ board chair.
The Haitian Times currently has one RFA reporter on staff, Sam Bojarski, based in New York, home to the second largest Haitian-American community. Bojarski became an RFA reporter in June 2020, but has been contributing to The Haitian Times since 2018.
“Being an RFA fellow has allowed me to help shine a light on the Haitian-American community and bring their stories to a wider audience,” Bojarski said. “As an early-career reporter, I also have a deep appreciation for the ongoing training opportunities RFA provides.”
RFA and the participating newsroom split the salary for each reporter. Both provide ongoing training and mentorship. RFA opened its application Dec. 8 for the next round of reporters.
The Solutions Journalism Network grant will support The Haitian Times reporting about the role of businesses in advancing sustainability efforts. Select members will travel to Haiti to report on waste removal.
The Racial Equity in Journalism Fund/American Press Institute’s Listening & Sustainability Lab grant will assist the online newspaper with reaching and deepening connections with audiences.
“We’re grateful and excited to have the support of these committed organizations, and look forward to working with them and the community to tell our stories in new and exciting ways,” Neel said.