Elvis Menayese of Cardiff, Wales, reports on the issues of race and equity in Charlotte, North Carolina, for NPR affiliate WFAE. Before teaming up with the WFAE, Menayese became one of the first Knight Summer Fellows interns for the Queens University News Service. As a fellow, he reported on grassroots initiatives that engaged Charlotte-area university students to mobilize vaccinations for COVID-19 among populations with “vaccine hesitancy,” including groups with historic distrust for government programs. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Multimedia Storytelling with a concentration in Journalism. During his time at Queens, he was awarded “The Spirit of Community” award by Queens Knight School in recognition of his journalism work done throughout the community of Charlotte. Before transferring to Queens, Menayese attended Stetson University and competed as a collegiate athlete for their men’s soccer program where he was named to the ASUN All-Freshman team recognizing superior play from freshman student-athletes. As a reporter, Menayese continues to devote his time to covering underrepresented communities within the Queen City.
Beat: Race and equity beat
WFAE proposes creating a Race & Equity team that would include this reporter who will assist in covering topics affecting communities of color, including economic mobility, race and justice, health disparities, police reform, housing, environmental inequality, etc. through audio and text for digital and radio audiences. The team also will look at the often complex dynamics within and between communities of color.