This episode features our conversation with Janine Fondon, which was recorded during our live event held in person on March 4, 2024 at Holyoke Media.

Janine Fondon, MFA, is an award-winning writer, digital media producer, and educator/historian who uses the art and science of communication and inclusion to elevate voices, engage audiences, and inspire creative thinking in a world of change. As Assistant Professor and Chair of Undergraduate Communications at Bay Path University for ten years, she founded the college's inaugural multimedia digital newsroom for students and continues to work on communication projects to connect communities.

Fondon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from Colgate University, a Master of Arts in Communications and Business from New York University, and her MFA (Creative Nonfiction Writing) from Bay Path University.

As a media ecologist, artist-curator, and narrative historian, Fondon created a popular museum exhibit on women's history, "Voices of Resilience," highlighting inclusive narratives bearing untold stories.

Amongst her many awards, she has received the Pynchon Medal, the Western Massachusetts region's 100+-year-old public-service award from the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts as well as several creative awards. She also has a 20-year legacy of content creation, diverse outreach, and public relations. Fondon and her husband created a legacy communication project, UnityFirst.com, which is now one of the longest-running, Black-owned e-news sites founded in Massachusetts that serves an inclusive audience nationwide. She has also published numerous editorials in the local newspaper, 'The Springfield Republican,' and created a range of narrative history video stories on UnityFirst.com.

Fondon is inspired and honored to tell the stories of many generations.

To learn more about Janine and her work, please visit janinefondon.com.

During the interview, we mention Natalia Muñoz's oral history project, Our Grandmothers. To learn more or to inquire about participating, please visit ourgrandmothers.org.

Special thanks to the On the Move Forum and Holyoke Media for supporting this event.


This episode of Black Writers Read is dedicated in memory of interdisciplinary scholar Dr. Demetria “Dee” Shabazz who assumed her role as ancestor last fall. Both Janine and Nicole had the honor of working with her, Nicole as a former student and mentee and Janine as a colleague and fellow professor. Please take a moment to read about Dr. Shabazz's beautiful life: Obituary.

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