Milton Kirby
To our readers and neighbors,
When we launched The Truth Seekers Journal (TSJ), our mission was simple: to restore trust in local journalism by focusing on verified facts, transparency, and the stories that truly shape our community.
Today, I am proud to share that the “pulse” of this journal is stronger than ever. This past week, we reached a significant turning point in our growth. Our page views have tripled, and most importantly, our Returning Visits have grown by over 1,000%. This tells me that TSJ isn’t just a site you stumble upon. It is becoming a trusted resource you rely on.
National Recognition
I am also honored to announce that The Truth Seekers Journal has been awarded a prestigious rural reporting grant from Grist, following a highly competitive national selection process. Grist is a national leader in environmental and justice journalism.
Furthermore, to ensure we maintain the highest ethical standards, we have been formally accepted as members of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Online News Association (ONA), the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), and the Atlanta Press Club. These affiliations are our “gold standard” promise to you that our reporting is independent, ethical, and professional.
Expanding Our Expertise
Growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the depth of the stories we can tell. I am thrilled to highlight two key pillars of our expanded editorial team:
- Dr. Florita Bell Griffin has joined us as a Contributing Writer and Systems Analyst. Dr. Griffin will lead our coverage in the AI, Science, and Technology sectors. Her expertise allows us to move beyond the headlines, providing our readers with deep-dive analysis on how emerging technologies and infrastructure projects impact our local economy and daily lives..
- Ted Knorr, our resident historian, continues to bridge the gap between our past and present through his twice-monthly column, “Shadow Ball: Learning More About Negro League History.” Many of you have already engaged with Ted by submitting questions and sharing family stories, making “Shadow Ball” a true cornerstone of our community dialogue.
The Road Ahead
We are no longer just a news site; we are a growing civic institution. Whether we are investigating DeKalb data centers or documenting the rich history of the South, our goal remains the same: to give you the information you need to understand your community and shape your future.
Thank you for being the most important part of this journey. We are just getting started.
In Truth,
Milton Kirby
Founder & Publisher, The Truth Seekers Journal
Milton,
This is incredibly impressive — and well deserved. In a time when trust in journalism has become increasingly fragile, it’s refreshing to see a publication committed to facts, integrity, transparency, and meaningful community storytelling.
Congratulations to you and your entire team on the tremendous growth, national recognition, and professional affiliations. Those numbers speak volumes, but even more importantly, they reflect the trust you are building with your readers.
I’m especially excited to see the expansion into science, technology, history, and deeper investigative reporting. Strong local journalism truly matters, and The Truth Seekers Journal is clearly becoming an important voice and resource for the community.
Wishing you continued growth and success as you continue this important work. Congratulations again!
Maria V. Despenza
Maria, thank you for this generous note. TSJ has been built slowly and intentionally, and hearing that the work feels meaningful to readers is the greatest encouragement we could ask for. We’re committed to staying grounded in truth, curiosity, and community. Your support helps keep that fire lit.