Letter From the Editor: We're Hiring a Segregation Reporter Thanks to Report For America

Dear Reader:

I am thrilled to share that Report For America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms across the country, has selected The Rambler to host a reporter beginning in July 2025.

The reporter will focus on covering residential segregation — a beat that we proposed and which we have championed to grant makers since our founding in 2021. We believe this is a critical topic of coverage and are grateful to RFA for helping us make this idea a reality.

Roanoke has long been recognized as one of the most racially segregated cities in Virginia. We are all familiar with the railroad tracks and highway that divide our city into quadrants. For generations, these quadrants have reinforced inequalities and prejudices — and divisions in the types of stories covered by white and Black media. Some of the segregation reporter’s stories will also be published in The Roanoke Tribune, with whom we have an ongoing partnership.

The reporter will use investigative and narrative journalism skills to focus on the lasting impacts of segregation in the city and how local government and business leaders are confronting, or not confronting, the societal ills it has wrought — from disparities in income, health, education, life expectancy, exposure to gun violence and more. One of the most entrenched, stunting, and all-encompassing aspects of life in Roanoke has never occasioned a dedicated beat by local media. We are humbled to effect that change. 

Journalists interested in this position can apply to RFA at this link, by Feb. 3, 2025 for the job that begins July 7, 2025. The Rambler has final say in the selection process. If you know someone who could be a great fit for the beat and our newsroom, please encourage them to apply or let me know at my email address below. 

In supporting newsrooms across the country, RFA recognizes The Rambler for the quality of our newsroom, commitment to local journalism and for the originality of our proposed beat. RFA is a two-year program (with an option for a third year) that provides ongoing training and support.

RFA will fund half of the reporter’s salary, while the other half will come from us — and you, our readers. We will be seeking community support in the months ahead — but you can help today to bring this reporter to Roanoke: You may donate at this link, indicating “RFA” as your reason for giving, or by check at P.O. Box 323, Vinton VA 24179 with “RFA” in the memo line.

We are full of passion and humility as we prepare to bring this vital coverage to our community. Thank you to all our readers and supporters for making this possible.  

Gratefully,

Henri Gendreau
Publisher and Founding Editor
The Roanoke Rambler
Local | Investigative | Literary
editor@roanokerambler.com