Joy Sewing
First Black Columnist, Houston Chronicle
In 2024, Houston is undergoing significant changes with a new mayor, a state takeover of public schools, and the evolving post-pandemic landscape. To help readers navigate these transformations, the Houston Chronicle introduces a unique voice to its lineup.
Joy Sewing, a seasoned journalist and Houston native is embracing a fresh role as a news columnist. Known for her insightful perspectives on people, particularly those of color, and cultural dynamics within the city, Sewing is set to become the first Black news columnist in the Chronicle's 122-year history. Her columns will delve into crucial issues such as social justice, politics, education, health care, and inequity, aiming to empower readers to address injustices and uplift the community.
Beyond her professional expertise, Sewing brings personal experiences to her columns. As a former foster parent turned adoptive mother of two, she has extensively covered navigating the Texas child welfare system. Notably, she played a crucial role in reporting on Houston's response to the George Floyd murder. Recognizing her impactful cultural columns, the Society for Features Journalism honored her in 2021 for creating "touching works about humanity."
In addition to her contributions to the Chronicle, Sewing is an accomplished author, having penned "Ava and the Prince: The Adventures of Two Rescue Pups," a children's book inspired by her rescue boxer dogs. She is also the founder of Year Of Joy, a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational and cultural experiences to children from underserved communities, including an annual ice skating party.
A trailblazer in various aspects of her life, Sewing, a former competitive ice skater, became Houston's first African-American figure skating coach while still a college student. Her commitment to journalistic excellence is reflected in her achievements as a National Press Foundation Spanish Language fellow, an Institute for Advanced Journalism Studies fellow examining racism in Cuba, and a Poynter Institute Diverse Voices fellow.
Actively contributing to the journalism community, Sewing serves as the vice president of the Houston Association of Black Journalists and has shared her knowledge as an adjunct journalism professor at her alma mater, the University of Houston. With her multifaceted background and dedication to storytelling, Joy Sewing is poised to bring a unique and impactful perspective to the Houston Chronicle's news columns.