Beyond the Headlines: Race and Equity Journalism in the Deep South with Adria Walker

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The power of storytelling lies not just in whose stories are told, but in who gets to tell them. For Adria Walker, a seventh-generation Mississippian and race and equity journalist for The Guardian, this understanding forms the foundation of her approach to reporting on Indigenous communities across the Deep South.

Walker's journey began with an unlikely childhood inspiration—the classic film "His Girl Friday" sparked her passion for journalism at just five years old. That early fascination evolved into a career defined by amplifying overlooked voices, particularly from her home state that's often misunderstood by outsiders. "Mississippi is the butt of everyone's jokes," Walker notes. "People have this idea of a state they've never visited, idea of people they've never seen." This experience of being prejudged has profoundly shaped her reporting philosophy: approaching every interview without preconceptions, letting subjects guide conversations, and seeking to understand communities on their own terms.

After starting as a teenage intern at a local alt-weekly, Walker's path took her through sociology studies, freelancing and reporting in upstate New York before returning to Mississippi to cover Gullah Geechee communities and other Indigenous groups for The Guardian. Her reporting methodology emphasizes genuine human connection—striking up conversations at gas stations, attending community events even when not reporting and building relationships that extend beyond single stories. This approach has yielded rich dividends, with stories naturally "snowballing" as community members recognize her commitment and share more leads.

Walker balances reporting on difficult subjects by prioritizing self-care and seeking stories that highlight joy alongside challenges. "If you're burning yourself out, you're not helping the communities you're reporting on," she explains. Her advice to aspiring journalists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, focuses on both mastering fundamentals and showing up consistently: "You have to learn the basics, but you also have to show up for people."

Discover how authentic, community-centered journalism can challenge stereotypes and elevate voices that deserve to be heard. Follow Adria's work at The Guardian or connect with her on social media @adriawalker to see how she's reshaping narratives about the Deep South.

Check out Adria's recent articles here: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/adria-r-walker

Indigenous tattoo revitalization 

Clarksdale, Miss grocery store 

Gullah Geechee partnership with Lowcountry food bank story

Gullah Gullah Island story

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