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WHY NOW?

FountainWorks was founded in December 2022 out of John Fountain’s belief that journalism must now be reimagined. John Fountain believes that independent news entrepreneurship, rooted in the fundamental principles of old school journalism, while also utilizing the new school tools of digital technology, are fundamental to democracy. 

 

“Quite frankly, I’ve been doing the work,” Fountain said. “And it only makes sense now to build out a platform, to go full throttle and carve out a space beyond the mainstream news world, a niche, that delves into those societal spaces and places that have too often fallen through the cracks of American journalism. FountainWorks, through the Unforgotten Bureau and 50 Cent A Word, creates a vehicle to move definitively into a news future with clear purpose and declaration.

 

“At the same time, we have a real opportunity to allow students to use and develop their journalistic skills and produce quality journalism of immense benefit by focusing on stories that are under-told or altogether untold while also engaging in invaluable experiential and transformative learning.” 

 

“We have demonstrated not only the ability to fill a critical gap, but also the potential for impact, even as an unconventional but fervent journalistic voice crying in the wilderness. I envision FountainWorks through both the Unforgotten Bureau (for Social Justice Journalism) and 50 Cent A Word, shining a much-needed light, of being a voice for the voiceless, and making a difference.”

There is evidence we already have.

 
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About Us

FountainWorks is an independent journalism and media not-for-profit dedicated to telling the untold stories of marginalized and underserved African-American communities in Chicago and its mostly Black suburbs. Unforgotten Bureau (for Social Justice Journalism) and 50 Cent A Word are branches of FountainWorks NFP

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