The Durham VOICE honored with Leaders in Diversity Award

Triangle Business Journal is honoring The Durham VOICE with a 2016 Leaders in Diversity Award.

The VOICE is a community news publication serving Northeast Central Durham and produced by journalism students from N.C. Central University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and local teens mentored by students and faculty. It is supported by a partnership between UNC, NCCU and Durham public school, civic and church leaders, volunteers and residents.

During the academic year, it is published bi-weekly online and 2,000 print copies are distributed monthly at neighborhood schools, churches and businesses. Stories include neighborhood news, information, photos, videos and features.

Jock Lauterer, a senior lecturer at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, leads the effort that began in 2008 with idea from UNC Department of City and Regional Planning students looking for ways to revitalize the 300-block area known as “the bull’s eye” to Durham police and community development officials for its high incidence of crime.

Partnering with NCCU faculty members Bruce dePyssler and Lisa Paulin, they launched the VOICE in September 2009. The Durham VOICE recruits its urban youth staff from Partners for Youth Opportunity, a Durham NGO dedicated to youth development, professional training and civic engagement, led by Executive Director Julie Wells and Workforce Coordinator Carlton Koonce.

“We want to empower youth to create a single source for local news for the Northeast Central Durham community,” Lauterer said. “And we hope the young people putting out the paper will develop the skills to use their voices effectively in civic discussions, while expanding their education and career options.”

In early August, the VOICE took six teen staffers to Ocracoke Island to work at the village’s community newspaper, the Ocracoke Observer. 

The Leaders in Diversity Awards program, now in its fourth year, is designed to recognize the accomplishments of Triangle businesses, individuals and nonprofits striving to reflect the diverse backgrounds and beliefs that make up the Triangle. The recipients were chosen because they have demonstrated inclusive treatment of others, advocacy for underrepresented groups and a commitment to multicultural marketing.

Triangle Business Journal and PNC Bank will recognize the 13 winners at an awards luncheon on Friday, Sept. 9, at the Raleigh Marriott City Center from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Triangle Business Journal will profile the winners in a special section that will be published in the print edition that same day.

PHOTO: The Durham VOICE staff writer-photographer Bruce Wilkerson concentrates on getting the shot during the recent work trip to the Ocracoke Observer. (Jock Lauterer photo)