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People in the News

Friday, August 8, 2025

People in the News

Friday, August 8, 2025

OBSERVER Awarded Grant to Expand to Stockton

Observer Staff Report

The Sacramento OBSERVER has been selected for a national initiative that will support its planned expansion into Stockton, California — a move that represents a return to the Central Valley and a renewed commitment to serving Black communities through trusted, community-centered journalism.

The OBSERVER is one of 14 news organizations chosen for the GNI Growth Catalyst initiative, a program led by the Google News Initiative and Blue Engine Collaborative to support high-performing outlets exploring geographic growth. As part of the program, The OBSERVER will receive investment and strategic coaching over the next year to build a foundation for the new newsroom.

“We’re honored to be selected, and excited to begin planning the next chapter for The OBSERVER,” said Publisher Larry Lee. “Stockton has a vibrant Black community and a real need for reliable, culturally relevant news. We see this expansion as both a responsibility and an opportunity to do what we do best — listen deeply, report thoughtfully, and build trust.”

The expansion will focus on creating a digital-first news product for Stockton’s Black community, with plans to include original reporting, newsletters, multimedia storytelling, and in-person community engagement. Exact timing of the launch will depend on finalizing funding and operational logistics in the coming months.

“This is a full-circle moment,” said Lee, noting that The OBSERVER previously published a Stockton edition in the 1980s. “Now we intend to return with a renewed vision — built on digital storytelling, community engagement, and a deep understanding of what Black audiences need and deserve from local media.”

The new Stockton newsroom will focus on issues impacting Black residents in San Joaquin County — including health, education, housing, wealth building, public safety and justice and civic life — while also spotlighting culture, joy, and local excellence.