New Jersey Urban News Welcomes Zaria Howell As Contributing Editor

New Jersey Urban News is pleased to announce that Zaria Howell has joined the newsroom as a contributing editor.

In this role, Howell will work with NJUN reporters and contributors to strengthen stories, develop coverage and uphold the publication’s commitment to accurate, ethical and community-centered journalism.

Howell has already helped refine several important NJUN stories examining the criminal justice system, government accountability, cannabis-tax spending and challenges facing New Jersey schools.

“Zaria brings a thoughtful, rigorous and people-centered approach to editing,” said Penda Howell, CEO and publisher of New Jersey Urban News. “Her experience and editorial judgment will help us strengthen our journalism while ensuring that the needs and experiences of the communities we serve remain at the center of our reporting.”

Howell received her journalism training from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and earned a master’s degree in social work from Columbia University. Her background informs an editorial approach that places strong journalistic standards alongside a deep understanding of how news coverage affects individuals, families and communities.

“My expectation for our work together is simple: Do good work and do it well,” Howell said. “The work we do is not simply about us—it is about the lives our reporting impacts.”

As contributing editor, Howell will help guide NJUN’s reporting across several priority areas, including environmental justice and extreme-weather preparedness, education, public safety, government accountability, housing safety, healthcare and civil rights.

Her appointment comes as New Jersey Urban News continues expanding its original reporting, contributor network and coverage of issues affecting Black and Brown communities throughout New Jersey.

Please join us in welcoming Zaria Howell to the New Jersey Urban News editorial team.

About New Jersey Urban News

New Jersey Urban News is a Black-owned statewide media platform producing original news and information for New Jersey’s underserved urban communities. NJUN informs and educates its readers, elevates underrepresented voices, holds power accountable and encourages civic participation.

Visit NJUrbanNews.com to read our latest reporting and subscribe to our newsletters.