By Giana Levy
Journalist Danielle Young told members of the Clark Atlanta University of the National Association of Black Journalists to be more present in the moment as they continue to advance their careers.
“It’s okay to be in those moments and to not be so stuck on the climbing portion of life. Really enjoy and sit in the things that are happening and the things you are contributing to but just don’t get lost in the fact that you are contributing to something,” Young said.
On Oct. 21, Young spoke to an excited group of students via Zoom. After losing her job earlier in the year, she discussed her transition into creating her own digital series called #RealQuick.
“While scrolling on Instagram, Idris Elba had gone live with his wife Sabrina, and they were talking about the coronavirus. Then, they started adding people from around the world. I was just sitting there and I raised my hand, not even thinking much about it because there were like 10,000 people there. Sabrina added me in,” Young said. “As a journalist, I immediately felt like I was getting an interview. That moment became a lightbulb for me. So, I started poking around to see who would be interested in being interviewed.”
Alongside creating her digital series, Young has been a part of other creative projects, such as #ShareTheMicNow, an event where high-profile Black women participated in an Instagram takeover on White women influencer’s accounts to speak about the importance of amplifying Black women and their voices.
“When I was first approached with the idea, I knew it was something special. Just the idea of taking over White women’s platforms in general is saying a lot,” Young stated.
While season 3 of Young's #RealQuick digital series is in production, she recently received the opportunity to participate in her first writers’ room for the series “Black Equals Beauty,” which highlights Black women’s influence on American culture.
Young also shared what she hopes for the future of journalism.
“ I hope for you all’s freedom to tell those beautiful stories that exist in the world. Media is a very scary place, so I pray for your stamina because things are not looking too good. I really hope that the stories you all tell have been impacted by this time and you all really understand the gravity of whatever the stories you choose to tell,” Young said.
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