Parys Smith
Youth Reporting InstituteParys Smith is from Durham, North Carolina, and this is her third year as a Youth Reporter. Over the past three summers, Smith has gathered compelling stories about advocating for black maternal health and LGBTQ+ youth. She has received a Gracie award for her radio story "Combatting the Mistreatment of Black Women in Healthcare.'' Smith's contributions have been so valuable that she was invited to continue working for 瓜神app from September 2022 to June 2024 as part of the Digital Transformation initiative at the station. During this period, Smith worked closely with Kamaya Truitt, Caitlin Leggett, Jeanine Ikekhua, and Christopher Williams to develop new content and engage new digital audiences. As part of the Digital Youth Voices team, Parys and her colleagues were honored with an RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Excellence in Innovation award for their work in journalism. Smith attends the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is majoring in Fine Arts. In addition to her professional pursuits, Parys has a keen interest in fashion, art, and acting.
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On June 10, Durham Public Schools were awarded $27.4 million for the 2024-25 school budget. This and other wins around North Carolina are all part of a statewide fight for public education. Youth reporter Parys Smith spoke with public school workers and advocates around North Carolina about actively creating a movement for better public school funding. -
Due South co-host Leoneda Inge explores college bus tours, free summer tuition at Fayetteville State and MLB and minor league pitcher Devin Sweet's HBCU pride. -
Each summer, youth reporters are tasked with telling stories from their communities. Youth reporter Parys Smith spoke with Kaliq Alexander about his trans journey and intention behind creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth. -
For this summer鈥檚 瓜神app Youth Reporting Institute, participants were tasked with telling stories from their communities. Reporter Parys Smith spoke with medical professionals and the women in her family about the experience of Black women in the healthcare system.
