First, let me introduce myself to the Street Sense Media community. My name is Donte Kirby, and I’m honored to be your new deputy editor.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia. After a stint in the Peace Corps teaching English in Rwanda, I came to the DMV as a digital equity reporter during the peak of the pandemic in 2020.
For anyone unfamiliar, digital equity is a lot like equity in housing, health care, or education. Black, brown, and people on the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum get the shorter end of the stick. I covered the winners and losers of the tech economy in Baltimore and the District through a digital equity and solutions-focused lens. This resulted in stories that showcased the ways tech companies like Google disproportionality push Black people out and stories that held the tech industry and government accountable for how tech should benefit everyone — instead of just wealthy shareholders.
I know there’s been a lot of change at Street Sense, but what will always remain the same is our dedication to original reporting that holds the government accountable for how it uses funds dedicated to ending homelessness, and illuminates the realities of living in poverty in the District. With media outlets like DCist gone, Street Sense’s stories are all the more important. My goals are to continue to grow the reporting staff of Street Sense and find new ways to amplify the voices of vendors.
I want to thank Annemarie for the opportunity and for keeping the editorial side afloat. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can build in this new chapter of Street Sense Media.
Please feel free to reach out at [email protected] with any tips on stories or ideas for how Street Sense’s editorial department can grow.
