The Guardian announced last week that Jamil Smith will be joining as a new regular US columnist covering the intersection of politics, culture and identity. He started on 30 January and will report to the Guardian’s US Opinion Editor, Amana Fontanella-Khan.
A seasoned journalist, television producer and cultural critic, Smith has more than 25 years of experience shaping public discourse on national issues, including racial justice, political polarization and the evolving role of media in democracy. Most recently, he served as editor-in-chief of the Emancipator – a non-profit digital magazine dedicated to exploring the state of race and racism in America – and as an essayist for the Los Angeles Times. Prior to this, Smith has held multiple newsroom leadership roles, including as a senior correspondent and podcast host for Vox, a senior writer for Rolling Stone, a senior national correspondent for MTV News and a senior editor for the New Republic.
Over the course of his career, Smith has received multiple recognitions, including three Sports Emmy awards during his time producing for NFL Films. Among his notable works is a Time magazine cover story on Black Panther, lauded for its cultural significance.
A Cleveland, Ohio, native, Smith is now based in northern California and recently began teaching as a faculty lecturer at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism.
Jamil Smith, US columnist for the Guardian, said: “Readers of the Guardian know that it doesn’t flinch from hard truths, nor does it confuse balance with honesty. I’m excited to join a newsroom that believes journalism’s core purpose is accountability, and that taking power seriously still matters.”
Betsy Reed, US editor of the Guardian, said: “In his writing, Jamil connects the dots between culture, policy and personal experience in a uniquely compelling way. His voice embodies the kind of journalism the Guardian is known for – fearless, honest and humane. He’ll be a vital addition to our opinion desk and we are delighted to welcome him.”
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