The Houston Chronicle has revealed that veteran journalist Joy Sewing has become the first Black news columnist in the newspaper’s 122-year history.
A Houston native, Sewing is poised to bring her extensive experience and unique perspective to the forefront, addressing crucial topics such as social justice, politics, and inequity in a city marked by a significant minority population.
Houston, where people of color make up two-thirds of the population, is home to sizable Black (23.1%) and Hispanic (48.3%) communities. Sewing’s role as a news columnist takes on added significance as she navigates the complexities of a diverse city that reflects the changing demographics of America.
Sewing’s impressive career includes stints at prestigious publications such as the New York Post and the Kansas City Star. As a correspondent at People magazine, she delved into compelling stories, and her freelance work has been featured in prominent publications, including Money magazine.
Her commitment to expanding her journalistic skills and understanding of different cultures is evident through experiences such as studying Spanish in Mexico on a National Press Foundation fellowship in 1997 and examining racism in Cuba in 2010.
Notably, Sewing was selected as one of 15 journalists out of 150 nationwide to participate in the Poynter Institute’s Power of Diverse Voices: Writing Workshops for Journalists of Color, showcasing her dedication to amplifying diverse perspectives in journalism.
Beyond her journalistic achievements, Sewing has garnered acclaim for her advocacy for children in adoption and foster care. Having been a foster mother who adopted two children, she shared her insights and experiences with the Texas child welfare system.
In addition to her impactful journalism career, Sewing founded the nonprofit Year of Joy, which focuses on providing “joyful educational, cultural, and confidence-building experiences for children from Houston’s underserved communities.”
The program has successfully served over 1,000 children between the ages of 5 and 16, highlighting Sewing’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond the newsroom.
As Joy Sewing takes on her historic role as the Houston Chronicle’s first Black news columnist, she brings with her a wealth of experience, a passion for storytelling, and a dedication to addressing the pressing issues facing her community.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the newspaper’s long history.
