By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com
This Women’s History Month the AFRO is highlighting influential journalists who have made their mark in media and happen to be women.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Drew Bird
Dara T. Mathis is an award winning freelance journalist and writer, who identifies as a “nonfiction writer who writes journalism.”
Mathis, a Florida native, is now based in the D.C. area. She has long been drawn to writing, but she didn’t always see journalism as her first career choice. Mathis says there were three jobs at the top of her list when she was a kid.
“The first was a school bus driver – then I wanted to be a marine biologist, because I loved dolphins,” said Mathis. “My mother was extremely foundational in encouraging me toward literacy when I was young I would write– that was the third thing I wanted to be.”
As a freelancer, she has explored narratives surrounding Black history, identity and womanhood. Her work has appeared in esteemed publications, earning her recognition for its depth and thoughtfulness.
Mentorship played a pivotal role in Mathis’ journalism career. She credits several journalists with offering guidance and support. These relationships reinforced her commitment to meaningful storytelling and helped her navigate the challenges of freelancing.
Family influence also shaped her path. While Dara Mathis’ loved ones encouraged her curiosity, her drive ultimately led her to forge her own way in the journalism world, guided by a passion for history and the Black experience.
“I am super passionate about history, and anything that involves a research component, to me, is exciting. I’m drawn to the stories of our foremothers and forefathers, and the lessons that form a through line to the conditions that Black folks face today” Mathis said “It’s important for people to realize that Black folks are universal, that our stories are universal.”
Winning the American Mosaic Journalism Prize was a turning point for Mathis. The award not only provided financial stability but also allowed her to devote time to a long-term book project. She reflected on the challenge of balancing freelancing with motherhood, sharing personal anecdotes about writing while her child was in preschool and managing deadlines amidst family responsibilities.
Other accolades, such as the McDowell Fellowship, have further cemented Mathis’ place in journalism. Of her many articles, “A Blueprint for Black Liberation” remains a standout, taking over a year to complete and marking a defining moment in her career.
Mathis’ ambitions continue to grow. She is currently working on a book exploring the Black Madonna movement in Detroit, a project that builds upon one of her long-form articles.
“Currently, I am working with the WNBA on the ‘Level the Court’ project. It’s an initiative that is an awareness project for Black women’s reproductive health.”
“I’ve written about my own experience as a woman who’s hard of hearing and a mother at the same time. So a lot of the writing that I might do in the future involves health in some respect, but also the experiences of disabled people.”
Beyond these projects, Mathis is eager to deepen conversations around Black women’s conceptions of home, motherhood, and mental health. Her storytelling remains a powerful tool for shedding light on overlooked narratives and fostering greater understanding.
The post Honoring women in media: Dara T. Mathis’ path in journalism appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
