I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. My name is Octavia, and my journey with The Land began through the Community Journalism Program, which I completed in September 2023.
Since then, I’ve continued contributing as a community journalist, and it’s been a rewarding experience that’s helped me grow as a writer and storyteller, utilizing my passion for the art of writing to highlight what matters to Cleveland and the people who call it home.
I am truly grateful to be part of this work. It has given me the chance to meet new people, learn about the important work organizations are doing, and stay informed about what’s happening around me. It’s more than journalism; it’s community work with a pen and a purpose.
As we enter this year’s NewsMatch campaign, I hope you’ll take a moment to think about what The Land brings to Cleveland. Every story shared helps our neighborhoods stay informed, connected, and represented. Your support helps ensure that work continues, keeping local voices alive and empowering writers like me to tell the stories that matter most.
Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping The Land continue its mission to tell Cleveland’s stories, one neighborhood at a time.
With gratitude,
Octavia S. Hicks
Community Journalist, The Land
Keep our local journalism accessible to all
Reader support is crucial as we continue to shed light on underreported neighborhoods in Cleveland. Will you become a monthly member to help us continue to produce news by, for, and with the community?
P.S. Did you like this story? Take our reader survey!
