by
Chauncey Bailey
The Chauncey Bailey Journalist of Color Investigative Reporting Fellowship, was established in 2019 in honor of the former Detroit News reporter, who became editor of the Oakland Post in Oakland, Calif., after leaving Detroit.
Once again this year, the program is urging people to apply by Sept. 1.
Bailey was executed with a shotgun in the streets of Oakland in 2007 to silence his work as the top editor at the Oakland Post in California. Bailey, 57, had been investigating the questionable dealings of an organization called Your Black Muslim Bakery in Oakland. Two people involved are serving life sentences, and a third was just recently released from prison.
The fellowship, being administered through the Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE) offers reporters of color IRE training, mentorship, data services and support — with the goal of producing an investigative reporting project to help their community.
The fellowship is funded through IRE members and news organizations. Typically one to three people are awared the fellowship each year.
Who is eligible?
- U.S. journalists of color who want to improve their investigative skills. Journalists globally can apply but their work has to be for a U.S.-based audience.
- Applicants should have at least three years of post-college work experience.
- Applicants should be currently working with a supportive news organization or working as an independent journalist.
- Applicants who can propose a well-developed project which would benefit from the training and mentoring the fellow would receive.
- Students are not eligible.
What would the fellow do?
The fellow would:
- Pitch and produce an investigative reporting project that benefits their community
- Obtain employer support to participate in the yearlong fellowship and attend training
- Attend an IRE Data Journalism Bootcamp
- Attend the NICAR Conference
- Attend the IRE Conference
- Initiate contact and work with a mentor network made up of IRE members
- Set up monthly video calls with their mentor network for one year, or until the project is complete, whichever comes first, to discuss the project’s progress
The fellow would be encouraged to do the following after the fellowship concludes:
- Serve as part of the mentor network
- Serve on fellowship selection committee
- Renew IRE membership
What does the fellowship provide?
- One-year IRE membership/renewal ($75 value)
- Complimentary Bootcamp registration (up to $1,250 value)
- Bootcamp travel stipend ($1,000)
- Complimentary NICAR Conference registration (Up to $499 value)
- Complimentary NICAR Conference hotel nights (up to 4 nights) (a $1,072 value)
- NICAR Conference travel stipend ($500)
- Complimentary IRE Conference registration (Up to $500 value)
