Community Impact Award to a Local Newsroom: Sahan Journal
Founded in August of 2019, Sahan Journal is a nonprofit digital newsroom dedicated to reporting for immigrants and communities of color in Minnesota. Our diverse staff creates exceptional journalism: coverage that truly represents the changing face of Minnesota and recognizes that democratic engagement and power belong to everyone. Sahan Journal’s mission is to give immigrants and communities of color the kind of committed, responsive news coverage that we all deserve.
ABOUT THE WINNER: Sahan Journal is a Minnesota-based digital news organization that is dedicated to serving local immigrants and communities of color. They are changing Minnesota’s news ecosystem by uplifting voices from communities of color in a state that is often portrayed by its white majority in the media. Their existence is crucial for Minnesota – a state that very soon will be majority citizens of color. Sahan Journal engages these local communities to empower them in local politics, economy and culture.
Sahan Journal launched in 2019. It quickly established itself as a primary source of news and information for Minnesotans of color, and for anyone who is eager to learn more about the issues relevant to these communities. Sahan Journal is now a national leader in the nonprofit news landscape, and an example of what it means to practice community-centered journalism.
“Our editorial coverage is shaped by the communities we serve,” said founder Mukhtar Ibrahim. “That means asking people, ‘How can we better serve you with journalism that reflects your lived experiences?’”
Sahan has seen strong community support and a young, diverse readership; since launch, more than 3,000 people have donated to Sahan Journal, with 1,000 of those becoming monthly, recurring donors.