A journalist for more than two decades, Nikole covers racial injustice for The New York Times Magazine and is the founding Knight Chair in Race and Journalism at Howard University. She founded the Ida B. Wells Society, the 1619 Freedom School, the Center for Journalism & Democracy, Iola’s Lyceum. Her latest venture, The North Star Books + Bar, will open in Brooklyn this fall.
Nikole was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, and is a vocal proponent of pro-democracy journalism, free speech and press freedoms.
Nikole’s landmark work, The 1619 Project, examines how slavery shaped America's founding and continues to influence modern institutions.
Launched on the 400th anniversary of enslaved Africans' arrival in Virginia, this historical reframing centers Black Americans' contributions to democracy, economics, and culture—challenging conventional narratives about our national identity.
Supports and trains investigative reporters and editors of color, diversifying the field and upholding a legacy of fearless truth-telling.
Trains aspiring journalists in investigative skills, focusing on covering crises facing democracy and advancing journalism that serves democratic aims.
A free afterschool literacy program in Waterloo, Iowa, inspired by Civil Rights-era Freedom Schools to empower young students.
A Brooklyn-based bookstore and bar providing a sanctuary for Black literature, artistry, and community-driven creative resistance.
An arts and racial-justice nonprofit founded to nurture a community of writers, artists, and activists working toward an equitable and free society.
