Veteran Journalist Brings Deep Connections to Houston
Veteran journalist Joy Sewing has been named the first Black news columnist in the Houston Chronicle’s 122-year history. The native Houstonian will draw on her deep connections to and understanding of the city to provide insightful commentary on critical issues.
With over 20 years of experience covering topics from fashion to culture to social justice, Sewing has established herself as an authoritative voice on the issues and communities driving change in Houston. As a foster and adoptive parent navigating the Texas child welfare system, she offers a personal perspective on tackling systemic inequities.
Sewing’s passion for uplifting marginalized groups has fueled her journalism career and community leadership. She co-founded the nonprofit Year of Joy, providing educational opportunities for underserved Houston youth. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation is further seen in her work as an adjunct journalism professor and vice president of the Houston Association of Black Journalists.
From Examining Injustice to Spotlighting Solutions
In her new role, Sewing will cover issues ranging from politics and healthcare to racial justice and education. While examining the realities of inequality in Houston, she also aims to spotlight potential solutions and bring diverse groups together.
As Houston contends with major changes—a new mayor, public school reforms, post-pandemic shifts—Sewing’s insightful analysis will provide readers with context to understand local challenges. Her columns will leverage her expertise on Houston’s social and cultural fabric to decode how policy issues impact real people.
With nuanced storytelling and sharp commentary grounded in her personal and reported experiences, Sewing is well-positioned to produce revelatory columns on the issues shaping Houston’s future.
Bringing an Essential Voice to the Region’s Paper of Record
As the Chronicle’s first Black news columnist, Sewing represents a historic step in diversifying perspectives in the paper’s opinion section. With people of color comprising two-thirds of Houston’s population, Sewing’s voice helps the 122-year-old publication better reflect its community.
From examining political dynamics to analyzing policy impacts on residents, Sewing’s columns will provide an essential viewpoint to decode Houston’s complex social landscape. As the metro area undergoes major changes, her writing promises to deliver penetrating insights to chronicle this inflection point.
Sewing’s appointment underscores the value of inclusive dialogue around equity in Houston. As the region grows increasingly diverse, the amplification of marginalized voices in spaces like the Chronicle opinion section becomes more urgent and important. By adding critical missing representation to these conversations, Joy Sewing is poised to reshape dominant narratives driving Houston forward.
