HBCU-Africa Correspondents Corps 2022-2023 Cohort

Leah Clark is the Chief Staff Writer at The Xavier Herald, the student newspaper of Xavier University of Louisiana. She has an interest in covering inequality on an international scale. This past summer, she covered the aftermath of the Buffalo mass shooting and spent time reporting on refugees from the Ukrainian War who resettled in the United States.

Joshua Edler is the Editor-in-Chief of The Gramblinite, the student newspaper of Grambling State University. He aspires to become a political journalist after completing his studies. A Mass Communications major, he previously wrote for the San Diego Mesa Press. 

Kyra Edwards is a writer at The UVI Voice 2.0, the student newspaper of the University of the Virgin Islands. She has an interest in covering Caribbean affairs. An accounting major, she is a member of the UVI Association of Black Journalists and co-founder and director of a non-profit organization. 

DaQuan Lawrence is a News and Politics reporter at The Hilltop, the student newspaper of Howard University. He has an interest in covering international affairs and global politics related to the African diaspora, foreign policy, and human rights issues. This past fall, he regularly reported on national and international events.

Gimel Pinto is a writer at The UVI Voice 2.0, the student newspaper of the University of the Virgin Islands. She is interested in obtaining and analyzing important material pertinent to the public interest. A communications major, she is a member of the Association of Black Journalists.

Jason Ponterotto is a News & Politics Staff Writer at The Hilltop, the student newspaper of Howard University. He is an inaugural recipient of the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Scholarship/Internship. He has reported as an intern for Trice Edney News Wire, NBC/CNBC, and the National Urban League.

Jah’I Selassie is the National Correspondent at The Spokesman, the student newspaper of Morgan State University. She has an interest in covering national affairs. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she is a 4.0 student, and a multiple Dean’s List recipient.

Ndumiso Shongwe is the Sports Editor for The Gramblinite, the campus newspaper of Grambling State University of Louisiana. He has an interest in covering global politics someday. A mass communication major, he is the first LiSwati to attend Grambling State University. After graduation, he hopes to establish his own public relations firm.

Lillian Stephens is the Foreign Correspondent at The Spokesman, the student newspaper of Morgan State University. She has a vested interest in national and international affairs, and covered state and local news during the 2022 elections. A strategic communication major, she previously attended Pratt Institute, Santa Ana College, and the Defense Information School.

(South Africa)

Lesedi Mnisi is the Content Editor of Die Matie, the independent student newspaper of Stellenbosch University. She is an undergraduate law student interested in justice, democracy and language. Lesedi is also a presenter for MFM 92.6, Stellenbosch University's local radio station.

(South Africa)

Aurelia Mouton is the Editor-in-Chief of Die Matie, the independent student newspaper of Stellenbosch University. She is a final year Humanities student majoring in Political Science, History and English Studies. She hopes to pursue a career in investigative or political news journalism. She is also involved in Stellenbosch University's Centre for Social Justice, as a social media assistant.

Phiwokuhle Mnyandu is an established policy pundit, he is best known for his appearances on BBC World News and VOA Straight Talk Africa. 

Michael Walsh is a well-known foreign policy commentator, he served as a Subcommittee Chair on the Biden Defense Working Group during the 2020 presidential campaign.