Becoming a NY Post Reporter
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 09/20/19
Some journalists want to fit in. As Oumou Fofana builds her career, her aim is to unapologetically stand out in the newsroom.
A middle child of 5 kids, Oumou was born and raised in East New York. In middle school, she was bullied for wearing a hijab (veil) to school. The bullies would pull off her hijab and throw it in a puddle. She was told she's ugly with no hair. Sometimes, they would pull down her pants, and tell her to go back to her country.
Frustration built up in Oumou’s heart. When she got to Midwood High School, she became intolerant. She didn't go looking for trouble. But if anyone looked at her or rubbed her the wrong way, a missile was fired off.
In the midst of all the drama, she found genuine friends who adored her and encouraged her not to be bitter. She became a choreographer, class president for two years, played basketball, and wrote for her school newspaper.
Artan Ljukovic and Oumou have been best of friends since high school. He says, “In all the years I’ve known her, she’s been a positive influence in my life and always brings out the best in me and those around her. Oumou’s the type of person who would rather bring out everyone’s best potential rather than be the best person in the room.“
Oumou always knew she wanted to become a journalist. When she enrolled at St. John’s University, it was natural for her to do her undergrad studies in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in International Studies. She had the opportunity to study abroad in Rome, Seville and Paris.
Then, she climbed higher and earned a Master’s degree in Journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
In 2019, after earning a Master’s in journalism, Oumou’s appealing resume got her hired by a high ranking daily newspaper—the New York Post.
“If there's no journalists, people wouldn't know what's going on in the world,” Oumou expressed about the important role storytellers play in society.
Since she started working for NY Post, she has reported a variety of happenings. Everyday is a different undertaking in a journalist’s life. One day Oumou could be reporting about a mass shooting, another day she could be reporting about celebrities.
As a journalist, waddling in your comfort zone is not an option, because you're frequently put in situations where you have no choice but to step out of your place of comfort.
“She’s the most hardworking person I know. I really don’t know how she can handle multiple business endeavors and hold two jobs at one time but she does it almost effortlessly without compromise. In addition to her professional life, she’s an amazing friend and there’s no one I’d rather have on my side during our rise in the media world,” Artan added.
Oumou is known to be spontaneous. What she wears in the newsroom speaks volumes about what she stands for—freedom of self-expression. When she reports, she likes to wear different hairstyles in different colors.
In the past, Oumou has internet at Spectrum News NY1, worked in radio, AmNew York, The NY Daily News, and The Source Magazine. Although she is now working full-time at NY Post, she also has a side hustle.
This journalist/entrepreneur has her own talk show called “What’s Relevant TV” and a flourishing fashion brand “HALIMA By Oumou & Natasha” that sells handmade chokers. She's launching her third business venture in 2020, an online fashion boutique called OUMOU.
Stop bullying, for the person you bully just might become a journalist and do a report on you! Though Oumou was bullied when she was younger, she has become a savvy businesswoman and respected media personality with a goal to uplift others and inspire them to be unapologetically themselves.
Welcome to Oumou’s World
Oumou’s favorite show is “How to Get Away with Murder.’’
“We all know that Journalism is not an easy profession to break into so you got to build your skills. Do not get discouraged by rejection. It holds you back. But the most important advice is really just don’t give up. Very generic, I know. But you’ll see, everything pays off.”
“If there’s no journalists, people wouldn’t know what’s going on in the world.”
“If I put my mind to something, I’m just going to get it done!”
“Success is being able to provide a happy and healthy life for you and others.”
Oumou has been battling depression for a year and goes to therapy weekly. “When I'm depressed I never want to do anything. I rather stay in bed all day and cry. I learned that doing NOTHING doesn't help the issue. As hard as it is you have to literally push yourself. I had to PUSH myself out of bed, PUSH myself out the house. And when I push myself I end up doing something that makes me feel so much better that day and I'll end up saying ‘thank god I did that today.’ So you never know. Just always push yourself. Don't let depression take over.”-Oumou
“First of all, never give up. No matter what, just don’t give up. Do whatever it takes to build up a portfolio. For example, if you want to write... write for yourself, write for free. BUILD THAT PORTFOLIO.”
Connect with Oumou:
Facebook: Oumou Fofana
Personal IG: @oumoumfofana
Business IG: @halima.byon
Email: oumoumfofana@gmail.com
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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