In times such as these, we find it important to highlight voices that motivate and inform. When the public needs them the most, hundreds of journalists and media personnel are getting laid off, furloughed, and enduring pay cuts. One Europe based lifestyle, culture, and tech blog is committed to seeing this unpredictable industry phase through. We talked to Editing staff —Jeffrey Arthur and Axel Metz of The Urban Journal about the publication's startup journey so far, fashion, and the importance of elevating Black stories.
LaKenya Norris: Congrats on the launch of The Urban Journal. As Founder and Editor of a new publication, what gave you the inspiration to start the company, brand? What is your education background in the field?
The Urban Journal: Thank you! I think during the pandemic, everyone had some time to think and do things they wouldn’t usually have the time to do. Having read other lifestyle magazines/publications, I felt there was space for a new publication which, alongside focusing on more general business and personal finance topics, highlighted Black stories and successes. Axel agreed, and we’re working on building a platform/publication that does that. Having both just come out of university, everything was – and still is – a big learning curve, but I think we are starting to put together a very good and capable team. So, in time, all will hopefully be well.
Being a start-up company, it is important to remember who had a hand in the journey. Please share with us and highlight your team by name and their contributing roles?
I think as we go along, the input and advice of friends and family, and the comments of readers has been very important. When we initially started, it was very helpful to gets some input and advice from people such as Lawrence, Sierra, Amin, Aston, Eddie, Dami, Frank, Nana, Jemimah and Hama.
Also, and more importantly, our little but growing team at The Urban Journal is incredible. Chanelle, Elizabeth, Kieonte and Lovell have done well to highlight important stories, whilst keeping informed on the world around them. And funnily enough, we all met online – proving the power of technology in connecting people. Whatever happens with the platform in the future, I’m sure we’ll stay in touch in one way or another, so that’s good.
Many say media is a dying industry or is not needed. What do you say to those types of statements seeing as though The Urban Journal is just beginning?
At UJ, we don’t think media is a dying industry. The way people consume their news and entertainment content is and will continue to change, but to say the industry is a dying industry is false. Media publications who will be successful in the future will be the ones that adapt well and use technology to their benefit.
Let’s talk fashion & style. Considering the year we've had and despite social distancing, name your Top 3 best styled celebs of 2020?
Benzema, the Real Madrid striker, has shown he has a very good sense of style. Also, Damson Idris has shown some good on and off-screen style. Lastly, Timothée Chalamet has to go on the list, he’s been able to carve out a reputation in recent times for being a style icon as well a great actor.
Why do you think it is important to specifically highlight Black stories using your United Kingdom based platform?
Over time, well-established publications have made greater efforts to highlight Black and diverse stories, but a lot more can be done. Representation in all walks of life is very important and hopefully The Urban Journal can help provide that.
Moving forward, where do you see The Urban Journal in the next 3 years?
Hopefully, we can reach more people. We also hope that in three years, we would have been able to give young and black writers a platform to demonstrate their skills and abilities, which will then help them land their dream writing roles.
Who are your dream exclusive features? Who would you love to have a 'one on one' with?
Jaden Smith, because he comes across as someone who isn’t scared to do and try new things, Dave (the British artist), because of his ability to use his music to talk about key issues, and Michelle Obama, because her story and achievements to date are a great example to us all.
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