BBN was founded and is managed by Sharon D. Toomer, a communications professional, journalist and writer with a broad and integrated background in media, business, philanthropy, social justice, nonprofit, politics and government.
Sharon founded Black and Brown News, Ltd. and its flagship BlackandBrownNews.com in response to the shortage of perspective and news focusing on and directed to an underserved Diaspora. Through BBN she has focused on social and political issues impacting this community and has pressed to promote positive change in these communities and the larger society through technology, communications, reader engagement and advocacy. As a result, BBN has seen substantial growth in membership, traffic, visibility and readership engagement in political and social issues. BBN has broken news stories; executive produced/published original content and received awards in journalistic excellence.
For nearly four years Sharon served as the Director of both communications and membership for the Association of Black Foundation Executives (ABFE), a national non-profit organization with a membership of philanthropic leadership. She counts among her list of past employers and clients Cable News Network (CNN) , The Brooklyn District Attorney, The Brooklyn Borough President, The Professional Staff Congress (faculty union), Creative Loafing news and information publication, elected officials, political candidates and early in her career NBC News Bureau (ATL) as well as a local and public broadcasting station in Atlanta, Georgia.
Sharon is a resident analyst for The New School on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. Her perspective on society, politics, cultural issues, public affairs and current events has been published in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Huffington Post and The Associated Press. She has appeared for commentary and perspective on National Public Radio, NBC’s Today Show, Al Jazeera English Network, MTV, CUNY-TV (NY) and various other radio and television news and commentary outlets.
Sharon has also contributed her voice, experience and perspective to various organizations, including The Open Society Institute, The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Council on Foundations, National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), New York Community Media Alliance, Girls Incorporated, New York Women’s Foundation and the New York Press Club . She is often invited to speak, moderate, lead workshops and/or forums, serve on panels and serve on committees.
Sharon remains committed to applying her experience and skill as a communicator to promote a culture of information and engagement toward an improved community and society. At heart she is guided by a firm conviction that every side and every voice deserves to be heard in a democratic society, and that an informed and engaged community is critical to social, economic and cultural progress. Sharon does not own a pet issue but regards “Any issue that disenfranchises or adversely bears down on the most vulnerable and least connected has my attention.”
Sharon was born in the south Bronx, New York to a Dominican mother and African American father. She was raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia before returning to New York City, where she lives in Brooklyn. She is a member of the New York Community Media Alliance and Investigative Reporters and Editors .
For speaking or appearance engagements or to contact Sharon, email her at Sharon@blackandbrownnews.com
Learn more about Black and Brown News, Ltd. Communications Consulting Services offered to the philanthropic and nonprofit community.
General
Why was BBN created? The Black and Brown world is large and few places exist where the black and brown – the Diaspora - perspective is considered in a public forum. BBN is doing its part to give YOU A VOICE in the world. You report, inform and/or comment on any topic or story from your corner of the world. If there is something happening in Ghana, Jakarta, the United States, Great Britain, Paris, Jordan, Jamaica, Brazil or any place else in the world, BBN is the venue to share your perspective.
Who is BBN for? There is something for everyone - the young, mature, not so wealthy, affluent, street wise, scholarly, liberal, conservative, Black, Brown, Red, Yellow, White -- Anybody!
What else does BBN offer? BBN is primarily a user-driven site created for you to voice your opinions. BBN, however, will bring you profiles, features and special series.
How do I use BBN? To participate you have to be a member. There are several ways to use BBN:
1. You can post your comment on a story/topic that is already created on the site;
2. You can create your own story/topic.
3. You can find a story/article/issue that you find interesting and post it; or,
4. You can simply view/scan the site for information/postings.
Membership & Registration
Is membership free? Yes. Membership is free.
What is the benefit of membership? News, information captured for you and access to voice your opinion.
Who can become a member? Anyone can become a member. That is, anyone with access to a computer and a legitimate email address.
Can I post or comment on a story without being a member? No. You have to be a member to participate.
How do I register to become a member? Click on "register for free." You have to use a legitimate email address. You will be emailed a link. Click on that link to activate your membership.
Why does BBN ask for my cell phone number? Providing your cell phone number is optional. In the event there is a BBN news alert, we will text you. But BBN will not incur the charges. You should check with your telephone carrier for rates.
Will my information be sold to advertisers or third parties? No. Read our privacy policy located at the bottom of the page.
How to Use BBN
How to Use BBN What can I submit/post? You can submit/post comments, links to stories/articles, photographs, video and/or audio clips.
Who will be able to read my comments? Your comments will be visible to anyone who visits the site. Other members can comment on your comments.
How do I post a story/comment? Follow the instructions under "submit a story".
How do I create a story/topic? Follow the instructions under "submit a story".
Where can I find a story-topic? If you want to post a story/topic you find elsewhere, it is entirely up to you where you find that story/topic. It could be a magazine, newspaper, cable news outlet or network broadcasting organization. You are not limited to media sources. You may find a topic from your personal experiences in your day to day life as a student, parent, educator, employee, consumer, sports spectator, woman, man, etc.
What if I want to submit a photo, video or audio clip? For now, link your photo, video or audio clip. Your photo, video or article clip has to be located on the internet. Link the page (URL) where the video, audio is located on the internet. Make sure you describe the photo, video or audio clip. CAUTION: DO NOT POST PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIAL. Submitting a photo, video or audio clip is not the same as having it featured (Note/read: Photo-Image Feature above).
When I'm asked for URL in step two of "submit a story", what does this mean? The URL is also known as the address bar and reads like this: EX: http://www.blackandbrownnews.com........ If you find the story from another publication or news outlet such as a newspaper, television or radio station or broadcast network, you will have to source that publication or outlet by linking directly to that story. In Step 2 of "Submit a Story" you'll be asked to enter the URL of the story. (Note: the URL/Address Bar that sources your story is typically a long, long line of characters. You are better off cutting/pasting rather than typing the address).
What if I don't have a URL-address bar to reference and I just have a topic? Then title your story or topic in the field "Story Title," and skip to the "Your Comment" field.
What is the "Your Comment" Field? It is where you type YOUR comment. Remember there is a 400 word limit for your comment.
Editorial Submissions
What if I want to contribute a perspective piece or a feature article for the Front Page? Where can I send it for consideration? If you have a perspective piece or feature article you would like BBN to consider for publication on the Front Page (home page), email it to the editor@blackandbrownnews.com. Include your name, address, phone number, email address and the topic you would like to write about. Also include in the subject line consideration for "Perspective/Article". Perspectives/Articles are limited to 700 words. Keep in mind, BBN is unable to pay for your perspective or article.
What if I have a photograph or image for BBN's "Photo-Image Feature" I want considered? If you have a compelling photograph or image you would like BBN to consider posting for our "Photo-Image Feature" on our Front Page (Home page), email it to editor@blackandbrownnews.com. Also include in the subject line consideration for "Photo-Image Feature". Include your name, address, phone number, email address and a description of the photo or image.
Please participate and enjoy BlackandBrownNews.com. Your voice and perspective is needed in the world!