FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2022
Contact: Danielle Miller, dmiller@dillard.edu
504.816.4328
NEW ORLEANS — Dillard University’s Courtbouillon student newspaper has been selected as a recipient of the Google News Initiative (GNI) “News Equity Fund,” which is a global commitment to provide financial support and opportunities to news organizations that primarily serve underrepresented communities.
Over the years, the Courtbouillon’s main focus has been to provide news to its primary stakeholders, which are students, faculty and staff. Funding from the GNI will be used to expand the Courtbouillon’s reach beyond the University to the campus’ neighboring community to cover issues of importance to residents, many of which are often overlooked in mainstream media.
The financial increase will make it possible for students to travel outside of the campus boundaries to cover community-based stories and capture diverse voices that are inclusive of the community being served. The Courtbouillon also aims to partner with a local media outlet to further expand its reach in New Orleans, subsequently increasing diversity and inclusion in news coverage and in the newsroom.
Additionally, funding from the GNI will assist with improving the digital-only publication’s technology and web platform to help publish more stories to the masses. This targeted online strategy will generate interest in its website and improve its social media engagement.
For years, the Courtbouillon has served not only as the leading news source for students on campus but also as the training ground for budding student journalists who go on to have successful careers in the industry. “As a former editor-in-chief and now faculty adviser of the Courtbouillon, I am committed to working with this next generation of students who will continue the legacy of informing and engaging the Dillard family and surrounding community,” said Dr. Shaniece Bickham, associate professor and program coordinator for mass communication.
The Courtbouillon currently consists of a three-person student leadership team: editor-in-chief J’Brionne Helaire, managing editor Mary Viltz and photography editor Aretha McKinney. Mass communication students as well as students from other majors contribute stories and photos to the publication.
About Dillard University
Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors and two certificate programs. Ranked 5th on 2021 The New York Times Overall Mobility Index and 14th in 2022 by Academic Influence for Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship, Dillard’s call to future leaders is to Write Your Legacy. Find out more about Louisiana’s oldest HBCU by visiting www.dillard.edu.
