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The HBCU Digital Media Collaborative is proud to announce a historic milestone: the inaugural Elevate HBCU Media Conference will take place on April 17-18, 2025, at The Starling Hotel (Hilton Curio Collection) in Atlanta, Georgia. Sponsored by the Google News Initiative, this transformative event is set to redefine the future of HBCU campus media.

Why You Should Attend

The Elevate HBCU Media Conference is more than a conference; it’s a call to action for the next generation of HBCU journalists and media leaders. Over two impactful days, attendees will:

  • Gain insights from industry experts on digital transformation, audience engagement, and combating misinformation.
  • Participate in hands-on workshops designed to elevate campus newsroom operations.
  • Build meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and potential partners.

Our Mission

At the HBCU Digital Media Collaborative, we believe in the power of storytelling to shape communities and drive change. This Conference is a key initiative in our commitment to fostering sustainable, innovative, and impactful journalism across HBCU campuses.

Join Us in Atlanta

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Atlanta, a hub for culture and innovation, the Conference’s venue—The Starling Hotel—offers the perfect space for collaboration and inspiration.

Stay tuned for registration details, opening in January 2025. For updates, follow us on social media and visit our homepage for updates.

Together, let’s Elevate the future of HBCU media!

#ElevateHBCUMedia #HBCUJournalism #DigitalInnovation

Michael Grant

Visual storyteller and design strategist, Michael Grant helps publishers thrive in today's landscape. He founded Get Current Studio, a creative agency that leverage user-centered design and Newspack, a powerful CMS, to grow audiences and drive sustainable success for publishers. A Stanford John S. Knight Journalism Fellowship alum, Michael is passionate about supporting BIPOC-owned media and HBCU journalism programs. Formerly a Google News Lab Teaching Fellow, he empowered journalists nationwide with cutting-edge storytelling tools. Grant leads the ONA HBCU Digital Media Fellowship. The program provides students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities unique mentorship and hands-on training opportunities at ONA’s annual conference.