Our Board

Synnika Alek-Chizoba Lofton is an award-winning poet, author, and educator. He is the author of more than 30 books and more than 170 spoken word recordings. His poems have appeared in Clock Works Magazine, Revenge, Upstreet, Experience Reality Magazine, Quay, Dissident Voice, Blue Collar Review, The Skinny Poetry Journal, and Mid-Atlantic Review. Lofton teaches literature at Chesapeake Bay Academy and Composition and Public Speaking at Norfolk State University. For more information, check out: www.iamsynnika.com

Vivian F. Washington is the Central Library Manager for Chesapeake Public Library and President of the Virginia Library Association, with over 11 years in public libraries and 8 years in academic libraries. She serves as Treasurer of Spotlight News, supporting inclusive community journalism, and is a board member of R-E-A-D (Rejuvenating Excellence, Accomplishing Dreams), promoting education and personal growth. Vivian is also an active member of the Chesapeake-Virginia Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She holds degrees from James Madison University (History), Hampton University (Elementary Education), and the University of South Carolina (Library and Information Science). Her leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to equity, education, and community empowerment.

We're looking for volunteers who are passionate about local independent media to join our team! More info here.