At around 10 years old, I can remember having an argument with my mother—as much as a 10 year old can really argue with a parent. But after going back and forth, and her not bending to whatever desire it was that I had at that moment, I decided to change my approach.
Where most children at that age may have tried screaming, crying, falling out onto the floor in tantrum—which wouldn’t have been tolerated in my household anyway—I decided to write my mother a letter.
In it, I outlined that my feelings were hurt that she wasn’t taking my request seriously, the reasons that what I wanted was important, the pros and cons of “giving me my way,” and that she should reconsider her denial.
To my surprise, after some thought, she did reconsider.
That was the moment I realized how powerful words could be. Well written words can change minds and hearts. They can educate. They can enlighten. Words can bring people together and eradicate social barriers. Words are power.
As my very first literary inspiration, the late Dr. Maya Angelou once said, “When I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature. If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of myself in the world, I would do that again by reading, just as I did when I was young.”
For 10 years, OurWeekly newspaper has used the power of its words to serve the African American communities of Los Angeles with in-depth coverage of pertinent political issues, innovative and investigative cover stories, and rigorous reporting of local news that affects the communities in which we live.
For five years, I have been a dedicated member of this team, and I am extremely humbled to be trusted with the responsibility of leading the number one circulating African American newspaper in Los Angeles. I am excited about all of the possibilities as I assume my new role.
As Editor-in-Chief, I have been charged with taking the OurWeekly brand to the next level by keeping to the concerns of the current following, while making our publication resonant for a new generation of readers.
Under my leadership, you can expect that OurWeekly will stay true to its mission of raising community awareness while simultaneously offering a modern perspective and providing readers, not simply with information, but with the tools needed to implement positive change in our community and beyond.
It can’t be done alone.
It matters to me what matters to you. Send e-mails to jnorwood@ourweekly.com with your feedback, ideas, suggestions and concerns. My mailbox is always open.
Sincerely,
