“Wendi C. Thomas Returns to ProPublica as Distinguished Fellow: Championing Justice Through Investigative Journalism”
ProPublica, a renowned nonprofit newsroom, has recently announced the return of Wendi C. Thomas, the founder of MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, to their Distinguished Fellows program. Thomas will be collaborating with ProPublica on investigative projects until April 2027.
During her previous partnership with ProPublica from 2019 to 2021, Thomas’s series “Profiting From the Poor” shed light on the predatory debt collection practices of a major healthcare system in Memphis. As a result of her reporting, the hospital reversed its decision and forgave patients’ debts. This impactful series garnered several prestigious awards, including the Selden Ring Award for Investigative Reporting and the Gerald Loeb Award for local reporting.
MLK50: Justice Through Journalism was established in 2017 by Thomas, following her fellowship at Harvard’s Nieman Foundation for Journalism. The organization, initially launched with a modest budget, has since grown significantly, making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals in Memphis. Thomas’s extensive journalism experience includes roles at The Commercial Appeal, The Charlotte Observer, The Tennessean, and The Indianapolis Star.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to journalism, Thomas has received accolades such as the I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence and the Freedom of the Press Local Champion Award. Her commitment to creating impactful journalism was further acknowledged with awards from the National Association of Black Journalists and Journalism and Women Symposium.
Expressing her enthusiasm for rejoining ProPublica, Thomas stated, “ProPublica enabled me to do some of the best work of my career and learn from some of the smartest minds in the business. I’m delighted to be returning to create more ‘good trouble’ on behalf of the city’s most vulnerable residents.”
ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network, which commenced in 2018, has collaborated on numerous projects with various newsrooms, aiming to promote accountability and transparency. Through initiatives like the 50 State Initiative, ProPublica is committed to supporting local journalism across all states in the coming years.
The reunion of Wendi C. Thomas with ProPublica signifies a significant milestone in investigative journalism, promising impactful storytelling and advocacy for marginalized communities.