For the second year, the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) in collaboration with ONE and the Elliott family is now accepting entries for the 2018 Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling. This prestigious award will honor an up-and-coming journalist in Africa who tells important stories through quality reporting. The award, created last year, honors the life and career of ONE’s former CEO, Michael Elliott.
Michael had a distinguished career in the media before working at ONE. He served as a top editor of The Economist, Newsweek and Time. As a longtime ICFJ board member, Mike championed storytelling as a tool for empowerment. He was passionate about using storytelling to unravel complex issues and shine a light on global development issues—and the people at their center.
A distinguished international jury will select the 2018 Michael Elliott Award winner. This award will provide the winner with a $5,000 cash prize to pursue an in-depth reporting project. In a special study tour organized by ICFJ, the winner will spend time in U.S. newsrooms to learn new skills and share knowledge.
Kenyan journalist Mercy Juma, the 2017 winner of the Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling.
Mercy Juma, a broadcast journalist at BBC Africa, received last year’s award. Her past reporting brings to life the stories of Kenyans who’ve faced difficult human challenges and aimed to overcome them. Many of her stories shed light on sensitive topics, such as unwed teen mothers living in Muslim communities.
