THE DEFENDER HANDBOOK
Radical Roots
& Social-First
Digital Tactics
04.
Organizational
Structure
We are a community organization, not just a news outlet. Each team member works through the real impact of journalism and recognizes the broader ramifications of storytelling and advocacy work. We share how to build a culture where journalists are organizers first and where youth voices are considered with seriousness.
The Word + The Action = Praxis
Our Structure
Paulo Freire, the Brazilian philosopher, teaches us that through combining the “word” (that is: reflection, theory, verbalism) and “action” (that is: organizing, aid, activism), we create “praxis.” Praxis, as described by Freire, is “reflection and action upon the world in order to transform it.”
The Defender believes it is not just enough to study the world–and dually, it is not enough to act without proper context or reflection. Our reporters, primarily Black students who bring the wisdom of their experiences, add an authenticity to reporting that transcends traditional journalistic norms and often creates entirely new forms of journalistic expertise.
The commitments of our political position inform our everyday editorial and stylistic decision-making. Your organization may not be aligned with all of these ideologies, but being clear on your political position is essential for determining your editorial standards.
Our organization is broken down as such:
Editorial
The Defender’s Editorial wing was the first to be established. As other local publications struggled to adapt to the digital era, support Black writers, and reach young readers, The Defender was born.
Our editorial philosophy is rooted in Black study, critical race theory, the Black radical tradition, Abolition, Black LGBTQIA2S+ and feminist thought, decolonial principles, and anti-imperial praxis.
Focus Areas
- Cultural Relevance & Accessibility
- Innovative Social Media Engagement
- Investigative Reporting
- Historical Research
- Digital Organizing
- Proliferation of Youth-Led Black Writers
Community Programs
After breaking several national stories, we began receiving dozens of inquiries from community members interested in getting involved. As a result, our Community Programs wing was born.
Our programs impact the material conditions of our people, as well as build power and aid Black folks in attaining joy, freedom, life-affirming resources, and political education.
Committees
- Mutual Aid
- Political Education
- Arts & Culture
→ KC x RJI Partnership
Support Radical
Black Press
The Kansas City Defender and the Reynolds Journalism Institute are proud to partner in creating a toolkit that will include the rich history of the radical Black press, its vital contributions to the future of the field, and a template for a media landscape that genuinely caters to the needs of our communities.
