"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." — Shirley Chisholm
In a city as diverse as Chicago, where stories often remain untold or misunderstood, one woman is reshaping the conversation. Jhmira Alexander, President of Public Narrative, is quietly leading a revolution in how communities are represented in the media. Under her guidance, Public Narrative—a legacy organization with over three decades of history—is not only amplifying the voices of marginalized communities but also helping journalists understand the critical importance of accurate, empathetic storytelling.
Public Narrative is a movement, a catalyst for change that has trained countless community leaders and journalists to tell stories that matter. “When I stepped into the organization six years ago, I recognized this was so pivotal because of its legacy—35 years of telling community stories, educating nonprofit leaders, and connecting journalists with deeper, more accurate coverage of their communities,” says Alexander.
The Power of Storytelling in a City Divided
"Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them." — Madam C.J. Walker
At its core, Public Narrative is about creating opportunities for communities to tell their stories. Formerly known as Community Media Workshop, the organization was founded on the principle that the voices of everyday people deserve to be heard. But in Chicago—a city often known for its stark divisions along racial and socioeconomic lines—the task of telling these stories is complicated.
“There’s always a battle here,” Alexander reflects. “Chicago is always at war with itself. Sometimes it stems from the grassroots; other times it comes from the top. But what’s so profound about Chicagoans is that there’s always a unique perspective. Capturing those perspectives, especially the ones that don’t get the spotlight, is what drives me.”
Public Narrative’s role, under Alexander’s leadership, is to bridge the gap between community members and the media, helping to shift harmful narratives that often paint communities of color in a negative light. In a city like Chicago, where headlines often focus on crime, corruption, or scandal, Public Narrative seeks to elevate the stories of resilience, creativity, and strength that define the people living there.
Healing Communities Through Narrative Change
"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." — Maya Angelou
A pivotal part of Public Narrative’s recent work has been its involvement in the Healing Illinois initiative, which aims to address racial inequity across the state. Through this initiative, Public Narrative helps train journalists to tell stories that not only reflect the struggles of Black and Brown communities but also their greatness. There is more to our communities than what’s featured on the 10 o’clock news or what is used to arouse voters—there’s value in every untold story.
“For so long, harmful narratives have depicted marginalized communities in such a negative light,” Alexander explains. “But when you talk to the people within these communities, you see a reality that is so far from what’s often portrayed in the media.”
The goal is simple but powerful: to change the story. Public Narrative works with local journalists and community leaders to reshape how public health, education, and safety are reported, ensuring that coverage is more inclusive, more accurate, and more representative of the people who live in those neighborhoods.
This narrative shift is not just about changing perceptions—it’s about changing policies. By amplifying stories that highlight both the challenges and strengths of marginalized communities, Public Narrative helps ensure that the media plays a role in advocating for justice and equity.
The Media Landscape in a Digital Age
"I have a right to my voice. It is an action of my own conscience. A right I do not surrender to anyone." — Claudia Jones
In today’s digital world, anyone with a smartphone can become a content creator, and AI tools are rapidly changing how stories are researched and disseminated. While these technologies have made it easier to share information, they have also blurred the lines between entertainment, opinion, and fact. For Alexander, this only makes Public Narrative’s work more crucial.
“We live in a microwave generation,” she says. “People are receiving information so quickly, they don’t have time to fact-check. And now, with AI, it’s even more dangerous. We’ve reached a point where people can weaponize misinformation without even realizing it.”
In response, Public Narrative has embraced media literacy as a key part of its mission, especially for young people. The organization runs workshops and media literacy tours that teach the next generation how to critically assess the information they consume and recognize the difference between real news and manipulated content.
“Media literacy is the armor against misinformation,” Alexander insists. “Especially when we have platforms that mix news with entertainment. We need to give people—especially our youth—the tools to decipher fact from fiction.”
Leadership with a Purpose
"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." — Harriet Tubman
Being at the head of an organization like Public Narrative is no small task. Alexander’s leadership is grounded in purpose, values, and a clear understanding of the weight of her role. Public Narrative may be a small organization, but its impact on the city’s journalistic landscape is significant.
“When I became president, I thought I was stepping into something fully formed,” Alexander admits. “But I soon realized that we had to build it up into what you see today. It’s been a process of vision, commitment, and community.”
Under Alexander’s leadership, Public Narrative has expanded its partnerships with local media outlets, philanthropies, and community organizations to ensure that the stories of Chicago’s neighborhoods are told with authenticity and respect. “I care more about seeing the vision fulfilled than about being the face of it. For me, leadership is about creating something that can survive beyond me, something rooted in integrity.”
One of the most unique aspects of Alexander’s leadership is her approach to mentorship and empowerment. “I’m not intimidated by talent,” she says, a sentiment that reflects her commitment to building an organization where diverse voices are not only heard but uplifted.
A Legacy of Transformation
"You are your best thing." — Toni Morrison
As she looks to the future, Alexander remains hopeful. The media landscape is more fragmented than ever, and the challenges facing community journalism continue to grow. But she is committed to ensuring that Public Narrative will remain a beacon of truth, justice, and equity in Chicago.
Reflecting on her role and the organization's journey, Alexander emphasizes the importance of collaboration and self-sustenance. “I’m not intimidated by talent. I’m not intimidated by what comes or what goes. I know who I am, and I know what it took for me to get here. It took a lot of very conscientious decision-making to say, ‘This is what I want to be a part of, even though it hadn’t existed yet.’”
For Alexander, it’s the long game that matters—the belief that every story told, every journalist trained, and every community member empowered is a step toward a more just and equitable society.
Public Narrative isn’t just a nonprofit, and Alexander isn’t just its leader. Together, they are custodians of Chicago’s untold stories, reshaping the narrative of a city that has always been defined by contrasts and complexities. And in doing so, they are ensuring that the voices of the unheard are given the platform they deserve.
As Alexander continues her work, she carries the weight of a legacy built on passion, persistence, and purpose—a legacy that will undoubtedly continue to shape the way Chicago’s stories are told for generations to come.