The Black Journalists Relief Fund helps frontline reporters maintain their mental health

Too often we read in regards to the racial injustice plaguing Americans across the country without giving much thought to the Black journalists behind the story, who often turn a blind eye to their own trauma as a way to cover the story.

For this reason, amongst others, journalist Sonia Weiser founded the Black Journalist Therapy Relief Fund in May 2020 to support black journalists on the front lines reporting on racial injustice who do not need the resources for mental health treatment. At the peak of widespread racial unrest following the murder of George Floyd, many Black journalists were tasked with providing unbiased coverage of the nationwide upheaval, often with no resources to process the trauma of their work and every day lives.

“Black journalists, such as nurses, psychotherapists, or anyone else who regularly listens to or watches trauma narratives, may experience vicarious trauma or anxiety resulting from repeated exposure to the trauma of others” – Robin D. Stone, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, specializing in trauma-informed healing he said in July 2020

“They may feel particularly vulnerable that the person on a ventilator or the person in a violent video could be themselves or someone they love.”

Many people also feel misrepresented within the workplace, because the American Society of News Editors (ASNE) confirms, citing how Black journalists they constitute only 6.56% of editorial staff and leadership across the country. Weiser, a white journalist, launched the Black Journalists Therapy Relief Fund (BJTRF) via GoFundMe, which she created in response to the flood of media outlets looking for Black writers to jot down stories about racial violence and protests following the killing of George Floyd.

“Putting the burden on Black journalists was downright rude and disrespectful, especially since most of the trauma in the industry is caused by white employers,” she said.

After GoFundMe was launched, donations quickly exceeded their $20,000 goal and reached $32,000 inside 48 hours. Within 30 days, Weiser raised greater than $70,000. Shortly thereafter, BJTRF partnered with the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) to expand the fund’s reach and proceed to support Black journalists of all genders, ages, experience levels and backgrounds.

In 2020, the Fund, along with the IWMF, provided micro-grants to 84 applicants, most of whom didn’t have health insurance to cover mental health expenses. With help, journalists like Natelegé Whaley were in a position to start seeing a therapist twice per week for six months.

“Even though you get paid, it really puts us in a vulnerable position while the company profits from a job that requires a lot of emotional and mental labor,” Whaley said.

“Yes, these stories must be told. But nobody is admittedly fascinated by whether Black freelancers have the resources they should stay sane during this time.

Those excited about donating to the Black Journalists Therapy Relief Fund can accomplish that HERE. People excited about the applying can click HERE.