By Alexandria Ramos
Via zoom, entertainment, and cultural reporter Jewel Wicker gave Clark Atlanta University students useful advice through her experience as a rising journalist in Atlanta, disclosing how to advance in the entertainment and reporting industries.
Serving as a board member for the Atlanta Press Club, Jewel Wicker intertwines Black Atlanta culture with her creativity and love for entertainment to generate unique content that depicts the entertainment world in the city.
After making her first byline in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution following college, her growth now ranges in Billboard, Teen Vogue, GQ Magazine, NPR Music, and Spotify.
Wicker stated how important it is to her that she speaks to young students, specifically young Black students, about her growth and success and what it took to get there.
“I’m a huge advocate for getting more of us into the industry and making sure we’re giving the next generation of writers the tools they need to come in and kill it,” Wicker stated.
Once Wicker realized the lack of representation for the Black community in the world of journalism and how diverse culture, mainly in Atlanta, is wrongly depicted in publications, her passion ignited. She felt it was her obligation as a Black Atlanta native to tell its stories the right way.
“I don’t think I realized just how much media was lacking diversity, and I don’t mean with just race but also in sexual orientation, gender, class, etc.,” Wicker said.
She heavily emphasized that networking and keeping an open mind will lead to success in the reporting industry. Throughout her freelance career, the connections she’s made molded her path and pushed her towards the doors she’s had the opportunity to forge through.
“I started as an aspiring music reporter, and now music is probably one of the smallest topics I cover because I’ve branched out into other modes of entertainment,” she said.
Speaking from the interviewer's perspective when writing stories, Wicker also urged the importance of preparation beforehand and knowing how to keep a flowing conversation with the interviewee based on who they are.
“I fully immerse myself in my work and in that person to ensure by finding out everything they’re involved in, where they’re from, their background, etc., to ensure it’s an open and honest interview,” Wicker stated.
As we further progress in technology and social media, she advised students to take those opportunities and release content and reach out to those who want to listen to your work. The right person could notice something as simple as a blog or Twitter content.
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