Decoder with Nilay Patel News with a Capital B: CEO Lauren Williams on why we need news for and by Black people
Feb 8, 2022
Lauren Williams, Co-founder and CEO of Capital B, discusses the launch of a nonprofit media company dedicated to Black audiences. She shares insights into the crucial mission of providing relevant news and fostering community connections, particularly in Atlanta. The conversation highlights fundraising challenges, the balance between local and national strategies, and the evolving media landscape's impact on storytelling. Williams emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships with audiences and the need for diverse narratives in journalism.
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Capital B's Origin
- Lauren Williams and Okoto Foriata, co-founders of Capital B, first met 11 years ago while working at The Root.
- The uncertainty of 2020, including the pandemic and social unrest, spurred them to launch Capital B.
Capital B and Media Trends
- Capital B is part of a movement addressing shortcomings in traditional media's responsiveness to current events.
- Traditional media struggles with constraints, hindering its ability to adapt.
Fundraising Challenges and Opportunities
- Williams spent a significant amount of time fundraising, a challenging aspect of starting a business.
- She leveraged the increased focus on racial equity in philanthropy following 2020.