Journalist Melissa Sigodo received a Global Majority Impact Award for journalism at the inaugural ceremony in Basildon on Saturday, 14 November. In announcing the win, she highlighted a year of reporting on policing, healthcare and the experiences of Black communities across Britain. Read Sigodo’s announcement.
“Exhausted but happy and grateful.”
— Melissa Sigodo, speaking to Jam Radio
In October, West Midlands Police reopened an investigation after The Community Reporter contacted the force about Leah-Ruth Daniel’s case. Daniel had reported receiving a racist image on social media. Police closed the case five hours after she submitted evidence identifying a possible suspect. Daniel welcomed the reopening but said she should never have had to speak to a journalist to be taken seriously. Read the report.
Sigodo and fellow reporter Arike Idris also covered patients’ fears over the closure of a dedicated sickle cell emergency unit at the Royal London Hospital. Sigodo followed the campaign to restore the service and reported that it was set to reopen after a petition drew more than 44,000 signatures. Read the follow-up.
The publication’s four-part Windrush compensation series followed Hetticia and Vanderbilt McIntosh through a five-year fight for redress. One instalment documented how Vanderbilt was awarded £1,147 for loss of employment after losing his 12-year career as a paint maker. Watch the series trailer.
In her award announcement, Sigodo thanked the journalists who contributed to the publication, its readers and the guests who joined her Substack Live broadcasts, including Jam Radio. Support this work by subscribing to The Community Reporter.
