Canadian Journalism Foundation Names New Black Journalism Fellows

A new cohort of emerging journalists has been selected for the Canadian Journalism Foundation’s fellowship programme, an initiative designed to strengthen representation and leadership of Black voices within Canadian media.

The 2026 to 2027 intake brings together five early career journalists who will spend six months embedded in major newsrooms across the country, including CBC/Radio Canada, The Globe and Mail, CTV News and the Institute for Journalistic Innovation and Development housed at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health.

The programme is structured to provide hands on experience, mentorship and professional development while also supporting reporting that focuses on underrepresented communities and issues affecting Black Canadians.

Among this year’s recipients is Nathan Abraha, a Toronto based journalist whose work spans culture, arts and politics. He is also the founder of Beles Magazine, a project that connects members of the Eritrean diaspora with cultural identity and heritage. Abraha has been named the CJF CBC Black Journalism Fellow.

Zachary Gaouad, a writer with Canadian, Mauritanian and French connections, has been selected for the CJF Institute for Journalistic Innovation and Development fellowship. His work explores digital and literary culture.

Myron Mayne, who has experience in digital storytelling and content creation, will take up the CJF CTV News Black Journalism Fellowship.

Danielle Reid, a freelance journalist, researcher and editor who graduated in 2024 from Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, has been named CJF CBC Radio Canada Black Women’s Journalism Fellow.

Joy SpearChief Morris, an Indigenous Black Canadian journalist and former national track athlete, has been selected as the CJF Globe and Mail Black Business Journalism Fellow. Her work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, The Narwhal, The Walrus, CBC and Sportsnet.

Desmond Brown, jury chair and CJF vice chair, said the selection reflects the breadth of talent entering Canadian journalism. “These fellowships recognize promising journalists whose work is helping broaden perspectives and strengthen coverage of all communities across Canada,” he said.

He added that this year’s group demonstrates strong diversity in experience and storytelling approach, noting that the programme aims to support long term career development in the industry.

Each fellow will receive a full time stipend along with structured training in reporting, research, writing, audio production and video editing. CBC placements will be offered in both English and French.

During the fellowship period, participants are expected to produce original journalism that may be published or broadcast by partner organisations.

The fellows will be formally recognised at the Canadian Journalism Foundation Awards ceremony scheduled for June 10 at the Fairmont Royal York. The event is part of the foundation’s wider work promoting excellence in journalism and encouraging public dialogue about the role of media in Canada.

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