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The Black Lens
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THE BLACK LENS CLARIFIES ITS INDEPENDENT OPERATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONAL EVOLUTION
Independent nonprofit newspaper acknowledges the support that facilitated its relaunch while clarifying its current operations and ongoing discussions with Comma Community Journalism Lab
SPOKANE, Wash. — The Black Lens leadership is providing clarification regarding its organizational structure and its evolving relationship with Comma Community Journalism Lab as the newspaper continues to strengthen its operations as an independent nonprofit publication.
The relaunch of The Black Lens in 2024 was initiated with the support of Comma Community Journalism Lab, under the leadership of Rob Curley, who has publicly spoken about his commitment to honoring the legacy of the newspaper’s founder, Sandy Williams. That early support provided important infrastructure that helped return The Black Lens to the Spokane community following Williams’ passing.
Two and a half years into the production of the relaunched newspaper, The Black Lens has grown into its own independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, governed by its own board representing the community it serves and responsible for its editorial, financial, publishing and operational decisions.
Currently, The Black Lens independently determines and manages its editorial content; employs and compensates its staff, contributors and layout designer; secures its printing; manages its distribution; develops advertising relationships; pursues grants; and cultivates its own fundraising streams. The Black Lens is its own publisher.
At different points throughout this evolution, both Comma Community Journalism Lab and The Spokesman-Review have provided varying forms of valuable infrastructural and operational support. The Black Lens is grateful for that support, which has helped the publication build the organizational capacity it has today.
CLARIFYING THE CURRENT RELATIONSHIP
The Black Lens and Comma are engaged in ongoing discussions to determine what services may support the newspaper’s evolving operational and production needs.
As part of this process, The Black Lens continues to assess which outside services and partnerships may best support its growth. This ongoing evaluation reflects the organization’s continued evolution and commitment to building a sustainable, independent publication, while recognizing the support that helped facilitate its 2024 relaunch.
CONTINUING SANDY WILLIAMS’ LEGACY
The Black Lens was founded by Sandy Williams to center Black voices, experiences and stories in Spokane and throughout the region. Preserving and advancing that legacy remains central to the newspaper’s mission.
The Black Lens is governed by a Black-led board of community leaders, produced by its own editorial team, and sustained through the relationships, partnerships and resources it continues to cultivate. Its leadership remains committed to representation and to building a sustainable community institution accountable to the people it was created to serve.
We remain grateful for the vision, partnerships and support that helped return The Black Lens to the community following the loss of its founder. As the organization continues to grow, its next chapter is focused on sustainability, independence and community stewardship, while ensuring Sandy Williams’ vision continues for generations to come.
ABOUT THE BLACK LENS
The Black Lens is an independent, Black-led nonprofit newspaper dedicated to amplifying Black voices, documenting the experiences of Black communities and providing journalism centered on issues affecting historically underserved communities. Originally founded by Sandy Williams, The Black Lens continues her legacy through community-centered journalism, civic engagement and storytelling.