In addition to covering the big stories of the day, WVXU has launched a community storytelling initiative to seek out the people, places and events that make Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky unique.
For 'Round the Corner, a WVXU reporter will spend several weeks getting to know residents, business operators and leaders in one neighborhood, suburb or a community of folks, like say, veterans.
First up: The Cincinnati neighborhood of Roselawn.
Cincinnati Public Radio listeners heard the first stories last week, when Jolene Almendarez reported on Cuc Le, 74, the Vietnamese refugee and mother of 10 who has been cooking at her family's Song Long restaurant since 1985.
Almendarez also produced a story about New Prospect Baptist Church,which moved into the old Jewish community center on Summit Road seven years ago. Pastor Damon Lynch III's church offers everything from a small business incubator, internet access for kids to do schoolwork, an industrial kitchen and basketball courts to the Village Well Ministry which teaches financial literacy and helps with rent, utility payments and job placement.
Roselawn's Academy of Multilingual Immersion Studies and some of its 550 students was featured by Almendarez on WVXU Monday.
"We live in a richly diverse community and all neighborhoods are full of stories we may not otherwise get a chance to cover," says Maryanne Zeleznik, WVXU vice president of news. " 'Round the Corner is our dedicated effort to spend time in neighborhoods that don’t usually get this kind of attention.? We look forward to discovering the hidden gems and the stories that might otherwise get missed."
The project had been discussed at WVXU for years. The hiring of an additional reporter in the past year provided the staffing to allow a person to spend weeks immersed in a community talking and listening to people, and telling their stories.
Additional Roselawn stories will air on WVXU and WMUB-FM (88.5) and stream on wvxu.org, the WVXU mobile app, and on your smart speaker.
The next 'Round the Corner community will be chosen soon, says Kevin Reynolds, WVXU community relations manager. "If your community is special to you and you think there are stories to tell, feel free to send your thoughts to wvxu@wvxu.org," he says.
John Kiesewetter's reporting is independent. Cincinnati Public Radio only edits his stories for style and grammar.
