Overview:
The James A. Washington Foundation was launched with a fundraiser at Mokah Coffee & Tea in South Dallas to support Dallas Weekly, a Black-led newsroom. The event aimed to honor the legacy of the late publisher James A. Washington and to address the threat of federal budget cuts to local journalism. The foundation aims to provide young journalists with training, tools, and mentorship, and Dallas Weekly plans to focus on investigative reporting, cultural storytelling, and public accountability. The launch marks a new era for the Weekly, and the foundation’s support will enable it to continue its work on a greater scale.
On Tuesday, August 5, the James A. Washington Foundation officially launched its mission with a vibrant and purposeful fundraiser held at Mokah Coffee & Tea, a beloved Black-owned café in South Dallas. Guests gathered from across the community to support Dallas Weekly (DW) and its next chapter as a vital Black newsroom—and to honor the legacy of the late publisher James A. Washington.
The evening welcomed supporters, contributors, and community members to experience a night of conversation, connection, and clarity about where DW is headed. The artsy, elevated atmosphere at Mokah set the perfect tone as attendees mingled over refreshments and shared their hopes for the future of Black media.
A heartfelt speech from the Foundation expressed gratitude to the community for standing with Dallas Weekly through decades of service—and through this transformational moment. “Dallas Weekly can be a liaison to teach them how to tell stories,” said CEO Jessica Washington, underscoring the publication’s renewed focus on mentorship, training, and truth-telling.
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The Urgency of Supporting Black Newsrooms
This fundraiser comes at a critical time, as federal budget cuts threaten local journalism across the country. Public broadcasting outlets like PBS and NPR are facing sharp reductions, and the ripple effect is already being felt in underfunded, underrepresented communities. For Black-led newsrooms like Dallas Weekly, the fight for sustainability is also a fight for survival.
As corporate consolidation swallows many local outlets and misinformation spreads unchecked, DW remains rooted in its mission: to provide reliable, relevant, and community-centered reporting. The James A. Washington Foundation seeks to fill the gaps left by these funding cuts, ensuring that South Dallas and similar communities aren’t left voiceless.
Through strategic fundraising, the Foundation aims to provide young journalists—especially those from HBCUs and local high schools—with the training, tools, and mentorship needed to not only break into the industry but also reshape it.
A New Era of DW: Storytelling That Hits Home
This launch is more than symbolic—it marks the beginning of what Washington calls “the new DW,” a revitalized newsroom embracing bold, hard-hitting journalism rooted in Black experiences and perspectives.
In recent months, DW has expanded its intern pipeline through partnerships with local colleges and area high schools. At the same time, it’s doubling down on investigative reporting, cultural storytelling, and public accountability—especially in areas where Black voices are often left out of the conversation.
With the Foundation’s support, DW is poised to continue this work on an even greater scale. As one staffer put it at the event, “We’re not just reporting stories—we’re building a legacy.”
The energy at Mokah was electric, driven by a shared understanding: the future of local Black journalism isn’t just worth saving—it’s worth investing in. With the James A. Washington Foundation now fully launched, Dallas Weekly is ready to lead that charge.
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