In the basement of the Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life, a group of students gathers every Wednesday evening. With consistency and excellence, fact-checkers, copy editors, section editors, layout editors and other dedicated team members ensure that a small, local college newspaper stays alive.

Whether or not you read it, see it or like it, we are here — The Hullabaloo. 

The media landscape has undergone, and is still undergoing, dramatic changes. By 2016, Americans’ trust in mass media to report news “fully, accurately and fairly” plummeted to 32%. By 2022, little had changed; only 34% of Americans trusted mass media. Following increasing political polarization creating conflict in the media, a global pandemic caused journalists to lose their jobs and local newsrooms to close. Yet, local news remains a reputable and trustworthy source for community information. 

Past editors-in-chief of The Hullabaloo worked tirelessly to keep a newspaper afloat amidst a pandemic that altered the media landscape. Within a college campus that, in some years, barely felt like a real college, we’ve been able to authentically highlight the stories of our community through quarantines, hurricanes, campus turmoil and protests. Our reporting remains strong, but we’re still fighting for visibility and engagement.

It’s these things I plan to tackle as The Hullabaloo’s 119th Editor-in-Chief. 

I started college alone in August 2020, in a small dorm in Josephine Louise Residence Hall. It was here that I wrote my first article for The Hullabaloo. Finding it difficult to make connections, both within the Tulane University community and in a new city, I turned to writing. By the end of my fall semester, I seriously considered transferring. But the one root I planted during that time — in this newspaper — kept me here. 

Before starting college, I had two goals: to explore the city of New Orleans to the best of my ability and to get involved with journalism. The Hullabaloo helped me do both. I never thought I’d make it this far, but I’ve had the privilege to work amongst a team of individuals who each year always encouraged me to keep moving forward. To be trusted to lead such a special organization is the honor of a lifetime. 

Over the past three years, I’ve worked as a writer, section editor and managing editor. My jobs were content-focused, but I’ve learned about every side of the organization along the way. Every team member across every function of the organization is crucial to maintaining our position as Tulane’s eyes and ears. Even more crucial is you — readers, students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Our community keeps us alive, but we’re not just limited to Tulane. Tulane is part of a greater beast — New Orleans. I’m no New Orleans native, but this city is the first I’ve ever wanted to call home. To do our job effectively, we must think about our positionality. To tell the stories of both Tulane and New Orleans, we have to continue to think about whose voices may be obscured, who hasn’t yet had the chance to speak. In the upcoming year, I hope that everyone we serve trusts The Hullabaloo enough to know that your story can have a place with us. 

Entering this year, the entire staff of The Hullabaloo is committed to promoting authentic, community-driven content that is increasingly accessible to everyone. With a more engaging social media strategy, greater outreach and a consistent brand across all platforms, we want you to know that we’re here to stay — we’re beginning better.

I’m beyond proud, grateful and honored to work alongside a group of talented and ambitious people who make our work possible. This year, our managing board is composed of the following: Managing Editor Martha Sanchez, Chief Copy Editor Alexia Narun, Production Manager Nathan Rich, Personnel Director Doxey Kamara, Digital Director Hannah Levitan and Chief Business Manager Matthew Scheulke. 

Our Fall 2023 General Board includes Ellie Cowen, Lindsay Ruhl, Aidan McCahill, Carly Barovick, Casey Wade, Ian Faul, Max Handler, Scott Houtkin, Benny Greenspan, Shivani Bondada, Taylor Fishman, Campbell Harris, Ruby Motz, Riley Hearon, Arushi Kher, Brooke Mason and Patrick Johnson. 

Thank you to our faculty advisor, Tel Francois-Bailliet for your constant guidance, as well as to Jude Papillion and Lily Mae Lazarus for always believing in me. 

I look forward to the amazing work we have in store, and I encourage anyone and everyone to get involved. Whether you want to work with us, write a “Letter to the Editor” or advertise in the publication, we welcome you. 

Learn more on our website, email us at [email protected] or visit our office in G06 of the LBC.