Embarking on a remote yet wondrous career in media, Mandi Miller has left an indelible mark on the landscape, navigating a path filled with questions, challenges, and countless accomplishments. As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s essential to shine a spotlight on trailblazers like Mandi, who contribute significantly to the rich tapestry of black narratives in journalism.
Please tell us about your media career and the media outlets you write for.
Mandi: My media career has been remote but filled with wonder and multiple questions. Still, I’m impressed that I’ve written and been featured in a good collection of establishments. I’m currently writing for Read Unwritten and GreyJournal. I wrote for enterprises like Sheen Magazine, Femi Magazine, Epilepsy Disease, The Mighty, and many others when I first started.
It’s been an adventure, and I’m waiting for more chapters and following pages.
In addition to being a seasoned media professional, what other endeavors are you currently involved with?
Mandi: As a writer and a woman of color living with both a hidden and a known disorder, I firmly take an interest in spreading awareness about epilepsy and mental health across the medical, educational, and social media communities. It’s a challenging yet rewarding task, and I’m proud to help individuals, especially the younger generation and young girls, who need more understanding and information that circles the experiences that will or may come within their path. In the past year, I wrote several articles about the disorder and shared my experience, significantly impacting the field.
In navigating the media landscape, have you faced unique challenges or opportunities as a Black journalist, and how do you approach covering stories related to Black history and culture?
Mandi: In the early days of my career, I faced numerous challenges. Despite being a full-time student managing my studies with my health issues and being in a brand-new environment, I always kept sight of my goals. However, I was taken aback by the discrimination and broken promises I encountered. As a black journalist, this gave me flashbacks of my childhood, especially as a student, having to hide my disability and accept mistreatment now, having to somewhat deal with such an attitude in a field that I’ve been connected to since given my very first journal.
I am committed to writing about my experiences, introspections, and the current dialogue on health, education, and social issues — areas that should be considered more seriously.
As we celebrate Black History Month, how do you see the role of journalism in promoting awareness, understanding, and accurate representation of Black narratives, both historically and in the present day?
Mandi: The lack of diverse and accurate representation in the media has been a significant concern for Black Americans, who expressed wide-ranging worries about how they are still being depicted in the news media. Accurate and multifaceted media representation is crucial in breaking stereotypes, promoting empowerment, and fostering unity.
For the Black community and media, narratives are paramount, and we must ensure they are accurately portrayed in the media, especially as journalists. This will help to promote a sense of identity and dignity and tackle cliched experiences. Recognizing the journalism industry’s progress toward improvement as we celebrate Black History Month is essential. Speaking about empowerment and inspiration is crucial for younger generations, especially those interested and already in the journalism industry. The recent delivery of Black History Month showcases a constant dialogue that highlights the importance of black media in analyzing the past, present, and future.
We must recognize the significance of media and its impact on our everlasting community and enterprise. By coming together, we can ensure that everyone’s narratives are being spoken, celebrated, and cherished. We deserve accurate and diverse representation in the media, which will promote a more inclusive and equitable society. Let us act now to ensure that these changes are assembled.
Keep up to date with Mandi by connecting on Instagram @mandieeee_xo