Heather
Behind closed doors
“During community engagement along Buford Highway, several of our conversations with residents dealt with atrocious living conditions and landlord neglect. We were in the process of assigning a reporter to investigate when Angie, a Norcross fellow, pitched this deeply personal essay about how her own family had to navigate unsafe living conditions along the corridor for more than a decade. I loved seeing the issue through that lens; I also loved what happened after the piece published: The Cost of Living team hosted an event on Buford Highway, where Angie read an excerpt from her story and, alongside a Housing Justice League representative, answered questions from the crowd about Georgia’s weak tenant protections. The panel discussion brought the story to life and gave readers/attendees a chance to ask questions and better understand their rights.”
Genia
“We still have to fight to breathe clean air.”
“This story highlights the importance of a safe clean environment in all communities, especially black and brown communities who have been historically exposed to more toxins due to the location of pollution-causing plants and businesses. I especially liked the fact the story amplified the voice of a community member who was concerned about “neon blue” steam. This story explores the many ways communities and municipalities interact with the natural environment. It mentions the Finding the Flint river project and other environmental stories that are often overlooked.”
Ada
The least of these
“Choosing my own story as my favorite seems a little silly, and I probably wouldn’t if this story didn’t mean as much to me as it does. For years, the concept of this story vaguely existed in my head, but I couldn’t sort through my thoughts to figure out exactly what it would look like. Inspired by the other incredible reporting coming out of the Cost of Living project, working alongside an amazing editor, and supported by the beautiful photography of Fellow Claudia Maturell, I was finally able to bring the story to life. Through listening work, I’ve realized how much churches are community centers and one of the places residents can go for resources and help when they need it. This story looks at this vital function of churches with some examples of those serving and doing charity work well, and others whose philosophies can lean more toward individualism and sometimes greed.”
Kamille
My Point of View: Campbellton Road
“Just look at what we can learn about family and community when the youth lead the way? I feel so lucky that we had the chance to see young Eric McCoy’s world through his eyes and his powerful curation.”
Mariann
For the love of masa
“I loved this story because I grew up with masa — watching my mom cook the corn, helping my siblings grind it into masa, shaping the corn balls and flattening them with a wooden tortilla press my dad made in his wood-working shop. There are few foods I have as deep and as personal a connection to as masa and tortillas, and I am glad we could honor the importance of this simple staple in our storytelling.”
Stephanie
One hot day in May: Voters, officials cite hurdles at the polls
“This story is special to me, because it represents the importance of intention and trust that goes into Canopy Atlanta storytelling. We first met Ms. Alma at a community meeting about the stalled PSC election. That day, she invited us to an Easter egg hunt to meet more community members. Months later, our community engagement liaison Angie reached out to her for our election project. Ultimately, J.P. carried the baton to the finish line by lining up the accountable parties, finding some answers, and helping Ms. Alma to tell her story. The full circle of intentionally being in community with Ms. Alma and the trust she had in us to share the story of her arduous voting day really inspired me.”
I hope this story leaves you inspired by the power of community-focused journalism. Here at Canopy Atlanta, we're driven by a unique mission: to uncover and amplify the voices and stories that often go unheard in traditional newsrooms.
Our nonprofit model allows us to prioritize meaningful journalism that truly serves the needs of our community. We're dedicated to providing you with insightful, thought-provoking stories that shed light on the issues and stories that matter most to neighborhoods across Atlanta.
By supporting our newsroom, you're not just supporting journalism – you're investing in Atlanta. Small and large donations enable us to continue our vital work of uncovering stories in underrepresented communities, stories that deserve to be told and heard.
From Bankhead to South DeKalb to Norcross, I believe in the power of our journalism and the impact it can have on our city.
If you can, please consider supporting us with a small gift today. Your support is vital to continuing our mission.
Floyd Hall, co-founder
