Jiquanda Johnson

Jiquanda Johnson is the founder of Brown Impact Media Group, an independent publishing company focused on developing media products in underserved and marginalized communities. The company kicked off efforts in 2017 with FlintBeat.com, is a hyperlocal news site, covering Flint’s city hall, neighborhoods, community movers and shakers, and public health issues. This year her team is focused on solutions journalism, the restorative narrative, and government transparency.

Her efforts in Flint, also include launching a youth journalism program teaching Flint-area youth various newsroom skills, including writing, graphic design, photography, and

videography.Johnson serves as publisher of Flint Beat and has nearly 20 years of experience in journalism including working for MLive Media Group, Fox 46 in North Carolina, NBC25’s affiliate station in the Flint area, The Detroit News and two online magazines. In addition, her work has appeared in Belt Magazine, National Geographic, and Spotlight on Poverty. She sits on several boards and has served on panels for many events and organizations including The Aspen Institute, LION Publishers, Solutions Journalism Network, the National Association of Black Journalists, Online News Association, ONA Local, the John S. Knight Fellowship at Stanford’s journalism series, the Chautauqua Institute, and the Society of Environmental Journalists.