Somali Americans share their experiences as at-risk youth | Video
Michael Shearer speaks with Amani Bayo to discuss the experience that some Somali Americans have faced as youth in Columbus.
- Amani Bayo, a trending things to do reporter for The Dispatch, focuses on entertainment, community events, and human interest stories.
- She finds news through social media, press releases, community contacts, and national headlines with local impact.
- Recent popular stories include coverage of local festivals, broadcast television news updates, and a community spotlights.
Editor’s Note: This week’s Beat Notes is from Amani Bayo, the trending things to do reporter who covers all things entertainment, community events and human interest. She’s one of The Dispatch’s newest staff members who celebrated her first anniversary in May. Previously, she covered trending news for The Dispatch as an intern.
Working my beat
Like a predator stalks its prey, I’m constantly on the prowl looking for news in the entertainment world, the dining scene and the community. A good number of my newsworthy topics come from social media posts and as a proud member of Generation Z, that’s my ideal playing field. I also look out for emailed press releases or national headlines that have local impact.
Top recent stories
Festival season is here, so a lot of my coverage has been about big summer events in cities like Pickerington, Westerville and Hilliard.
My most-read stories on Dispatch.com as of late include my list of where to find local firework shows and Fourth of July festivals during that lively weekend. My announcement on Dave Chappelle’s three-weekend performances in Columbus was also a top performer.
Yet, my most popular stories have all been about the latest happenings in local broadcast television. From Jeff Hogan joining evening news at WBNS 10TV, Tom Llamas at NBC Nightly News, Stacia Naquin at WBNS 10TV or Katie McKee becoming anchor of “Good Day Columbus,” some might confuse me for The Dispatch’s unofficial broadcast television spy.
Most important reporting
I love getting the latest scoop as much as the next person. But I want to be a reporter who makes a meaningful impact on the lives of people in local overshadowed communities.
Although some may only see my byline when Wil Poulter is in town or there’s a local celebrity sighting, my first Sunday cover story about first-generation Somali youth remains my proudest effort so far. I’m also extremely proud of my recent story addressing the community’s response to USA TODAY article ranking Columbus a top walkable city. This was a perfect example of how I want to spotlight local voices.
I’m proud to have previewed a recent forum by the New African Immigrants Commission (NAIC) and their efforts to raise awareness about mental health resources in local African communities. Lastly, I was also proud to spotlight Tala Ashe from Powell, who is one of the first Middle Eastern actresses to be nominated for a Tony Award.
Coming up
My stories are tailored to what’s going on. We’ve officially entered back-to-school season and fall is on the horizon. That means you’ll get a full list of fall events coming up from me, along with where you can go pumpkin or apple picking.
Ideas welcome
Proudly honoring my title as a “certified yapper,” bestowed upon me by my younger brother of Generation Alpha—I love to talk! Please feel free to email me at [email protected]. I’m always happy to chat about anything (send story ideas here too, I guess).
Learn more about this Dispatch reporter
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