All of our writers and editorial staff are dedicated to providing top-quality journalism, fair-and-accurate newscasts, insightful editorials and a sophisticated alternative for African-American readers. Information is the foundation of societal growth and with the right information and tools for action, individuals can – and will make a difference.
Editor-in-Chief: Sherol Ziegenbein
- Born in London, England Sherol moved to the United States at a young age where she lived in New Jersey and Florida. Sherol has always had a passion for writing as she began writing poetry at a young age. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Sherol went on to receive her Masters in Psychology from Argosy University. Today Sherol resides in Mt. Kisco, NY where she enjoys reading, writing, watching movies, playing with her dogs, yoga and fitness.
Editor – Sports: Brian Binder
- Born in the Poconos, Brian lived most of his life in eastern PA. He has always been a sports fanatic growing up watching the Philly and New York sports teams. Brian went to school with the dream of becoming a sports journalist covering the New York Yankees. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Point Park University, he moved to Tampa, Florida where he became interested in online media. Today, Brian resides in Harrison, NY where he spends time writing, rooting for the Yankees and Knicks and watching movies.
Editor – History: Marisa Binder
- Born in the Poconos, Marisa grew up in eastern and western PA. She has always had a passion for history, teaching, sports and fitness. After graduating Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh, Marisa went on to obtain her Master’s of Education degree in Instructional Leadership from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. Currently, Marisa resides in Pittsburgh, PA where she spends time reading, writing, working out, cheering for the Phillies and Eagles and watching movies.
Editor – Music, Art & Entertainment: Christopher Chavez
- Born in Queens, NY, Chris has always loved to do anything artistic. He has been writing for many years, including short stories and full length memoir. Chris loves pop culture, especially music, movies, and comics. He currently lives with his wife, two dogs, and two cats in Buffalo, NY. He enjoys playing guitar, writing, reading, and traveling.
Columnist – Politics: Erin Chavez
- Born in a small town, Portville, NY, Erin spent all of her childhood and early adulthood in Western New York before moving to St. Petersburg, FL. Erin has always enjoyed writing and had poems published in the local paper when she was in grade school. She obtained her bachelor’s of arts from St. Bonaventure University and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in mental health counseling. Erin worked for 10 years in non profit mental health center in Florida before moving back to Buffalo, NY. She enjoys spending time with her dogs and her husband, traveling, reading, yoga, and meditation.
Contributing Editor: Dr. Ja A. Jahannes
- Dr. Ja A. Jahannes is a writer, of nonfiction and fiction, a psychologist, educator, and a social critic. He is a frequent columnist for numerous publications. His work has appeared in such diverse publications as the Journal of Ethnic Studies, Vital Speeches, the Journal of the National Medical Association, Ebony, the Black Scholar, Encore, Class, Black Issues in Higher Education and the Saturday Review. He was national chair of the Pan African Movement U.S. A. (PAMUSA) with Dr. John Henrik Clarke as co-chair in 1992 and 1993. Dr. Jahannes has lectured throughout the U. S., in Africa, Asia, South America, the Middle East and Europe.
Contributing Editor: Kiara Ashanti
- Kiara Ashanti is a Central Florida based freelance writer. He has written for Black Enterprise magazine, Active Trader magazine, BET.com, the AtlantaPost.com, and numerous other websites. Kiara has also been a guest on the Oprah Winfrey, and Lynn Cullen radio show, speaking on political matters. He can be seen each week on the Urban America Today internet talk show discussing politics and economics.
Contributing Editor: Karen Northover
- Karen Northover hails from London England and now currently resides in the Orlando area of Florida. She is a graduate of UCF and USF with degrees in business and healthcare Administration. Karen enjoys reading, going to movies and traveling which lends to her most favorite past time of sampling eclectic, trendy and fine foods which she shares with our readers through her food commentaries as she travels all over the States and Europe.
Contributing Editor: Danielle Gruzosky
- Born in Albion, PA, Danielle has always has always been addicted to Pop Culture. She currently resides in Pittsburgh and attends Point Park University, where she studies Broadcast Journalism. Whenever she breaks away from updating her Twitter page, Danielle enjoys watching movies, reading and taking pictures.
Guest Contributors:
- Pauline Prosser, Cassandra Matthieu
