Tatyana Turner reports for The Baltimore Sun, where she focuses on poor and working class African-American communities that have often been neglected in media coverage. This new beat tells the stories of these neighborhoods from the front lines. It’s a great fit for Turner, who was inspired by her upbringing in the South Bronx and began her career in journalism writing for her hometown newspaper, the Norwood News, where she covered issues surrounding public housing, poverty, gentrification and land-use. Turner was honored by the New York Press Association for in-depth reporting and best feature series after exposing the fears and frustrations of tenants living under New York City’s most notorious landlord. She was also recognized by the National Association of Black Journalists in 2018 for community journalism after creating a video series that highlighted trailblazers in the Bronx. Turner received her B.A. from Temple University and her M.S. from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Beat: African-American neighborhoods
For generations, money has poured into the white, affluent parts of Baltimore, while poor and working class African-American communities were often neglected. At a crucial time in our city, The Sun has created a new beat to tell the stories of these neighborhoods from the front lines. This Reporter goes to churches, small businesses, homes and corners to show the consequences of this long-running lack of investment, and follow new efforts to disrupt the cycle. This Reporter probes the politicians and developers, the money and the documents, to track new projects brewing in key neighborhoods. After years of failed starts, for instance, the future of the iconic Park Heights is now on the line, with a major state debate over Pimlico, home of the Preakness, and some new funding in place. The Reporter uses different storytelling techniques and roams the corners of the city to zoom in on turning points, success stories and grass-roots efforts. The story of Baltimore’s fall, and what it will take to rise again, is a tale best told through our neighborhoods.