What I do at Capital B Atlanta
As the editor at Capital B Atlanta I’m mainly focused on two things: finding stories and corresponding storytellers, and building the culture for the ATL newsroom of Capital B. As much as I want us to be a resource for Black folks in the city and metro area, I also want our newsroom to feel like home for our reporters and a destination for working and aspiring journalists.
Why I came to Capital B Atlanta
Early last year, I was recovering from major heart surgery. I spent time thinking about what was important and how to make the most out of life. I knew that with my local and national journalism experience, telling stories about the Black community from a Black perspective was my passion. I also knew I wanted to come back home to a newsroom.
It didn’t matter if I was an editor, reporter, or podcaster; I wanted to find ways to use journalism to help people who looked like me share their sides of the story. I dreamed that a place like that would exist one day — that was until Capital B came along. Capital B is that dream realized.
What I love most about Atlanta
It’s the people for me. So many characters, so much history — a storyteller’s paradise. I love our sense of pride, whether it’s our natives or the transplants who have adapted this city into their own. When people love Atlanta they really love Atlanta, and they want to see the city win. You don’t get that a lot in the South.
What makes me happy
Seeing my friends, family, and peers in Atlanta win and share their talents with the world. There is nothing like seeing something go from a thought to a vision to a reality. I’ve seen it happen over and over again in Atlanta and nothing is more inspiring than watching others realize and then exceed their potential.
The song(s) I’m listening to on repeat right now
I obsess over songs in threes. So the current EP in constant rotation in my head has “The Best Part of Life” from SAINt JHN on it. PinkPantheress put out one of the best debuts of 2021, and “Just for me” is still my personal favorite. Bringing things home, EarthGang’s “American Horror Story” is a must-listen.
My favorite Black storytellers/creators
I had a subscription to Vibe, and I’m pretty sure then-Editor-in-Chief Danyel Smith is the reason I ever entertained the idea of writing and editing stories for a living. Langston Hughes is the writer who made me fall in love with poetry. Hanif Abdurraqib has an uncanny ability to make me feel seen as a Black man in America who is obsessed with pop culture, sports, and music.
Where you can find me
In the tweets: @writegavinwrite
On the ‘Gram: @writegavinwrite
Tips/pitches/funny gifs: gavin.godfrey@capitalbnews.org
