Mobilizing the Urban Blogosphere
Media consolidation, combined with the rise of digital media platforms, has created a huge void in the urban and hip-hop journalism space. While several of the biggest outlets serving the demographic have closed their doors, others have transformed from the generation's most critical voices into market-driven, fashion/male-focused publications that place little value on hard-hitting journalism or intellectual discourse. This panel will discuss ways to infuse the urban blogosphere with progressive values and a sense of civic stewardship.
Janeé Bolden is Senior Editor for Bossip.com, the premier online destination for news, sports and entertainment culture and gossip. Janee’ graduated magna cum laude from New York University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in English and Africana Studies. She also holds a MFA in Fiction Writing from NYU’s prestigious Creative Writing Program. Before joining the Bossip.com staff, Janeé served as a contributing writer for XXL Magazine, The Source and Vibe.com, as well as the SOHH Soulful blogger and Player Watch columnist for SOHH.com.
Ryan worked as Urban Music Director for the university’s radio station along with DJing in local nightclubs. During the summers, Ryan interned at the Iowa Bystander, the oldest black newspaper west of the Mississippi and the 50,000 watt 1040 WHO talk radio.
Ryan then moved to Los Angeles to pursue his Master’s Degree in African-American Studies with a focus area in Ethnomusicology at UCLA. During his schooling, Ryan worked as a freelance journalist, compiling clips for publications like LA Weekly, Des Moines Register, XXL, KING and Vibe, as well as starting the web-zine, Contrabandit.com.
Ryan interviewed hundreds of artists, executives, politicians, activists and celebrities during his time with The Source including Shaquille O’Neal, Jermaine Dupri, Diddy, Russell Simmons, Outkast, Nelly and controversial label head Suge Knight. In addition, Ryan penned numerous cover features including stories on Eve, Irv Gotti, The Game, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube. Ryan has also appeared on the E! channel’s True Hollywood Story: Snoop Dogg and True Hollywood Story: Hip-Hop Wives.
Recently Ryan left The Source, to join the Cashmere Agency, one of the entertainment industry’s premier lifestyle marketing agencies, as Director of Creative Strategy. At Cashmere Agency, Ryan oversees creative and communication strategies to constantly identify and integrate the dynamic interaction between brands and young consumers.
Ryan continues to volunteer his time in the political world. In 2008, Ryan coordinated the Iowa Brown & Black Presidential forum that featured all of the democratic presidential candidates, including Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barak Obama debating minority issues.
Ryan has also formed Rhyme Night, a recurring Hip-Hop talent showcase event in Los Angeles. He co-founded Rhyme Night with multi-platinum rapper, actor and host of MTV’s Pimp My Ride, Xzibit. Rhyme Night is currently being adapted for TV. Ryan also helms Bandit Strategies LLC, a marketing, promotions and consulting company that is currently working with a number of online entities.
For the last eight years, Chloé A. Hilliard has been a culture/entertainment journalist, writing for The Village Voice, Essence, Vibe, King, and The Source. Currently, Chloe serves as the Managing Editor/Social Media Manager for VIBE, a leading urban entertainment magazine and website. Prior to VIBE, she was a staff writer for The Village Voice, America’s largest weekly newspaper. There, she chronicled lesbian thugs, BET’s transformation and eminent domain in Brooklyn. Chloé has also served as News Editor at The Source. For her expertise on Hip Hop culture she’s appeared on CNN Headline News, ABC News, Our World with Black Enterprise and C-Span.
The Executive Director of the League of Young Voters Education Fund, Rob "Biko" Baker is a nationally recognized leader. He has organized town hall meetings and used social networking to motivate young people to get involved in the civic process. Baker has served as the deputy publicity coordinator and young voter organizer for the Brown and Black Presidential Forum. He has appeared on C-SPAN, Fox News and MSNBC, has interviewed luminaries Cornell West, Russell Simmons, and Howard Dean, and he has also written a number of articles for America's biggest online outlets, including the Huffington Post. Baker is a Ph.D. candidate at UCLA, and serves on the New Organizing Institute's board as well as CIRCLE's research advisory board.
