Published Writing
- I write about media, culture, and social movements for publications like Contra Costa Pulse and In These Times.
- For publications like VICE and Hooligan Mag, I have profiled artists like comedian Rebecca O’Neal, director Sam Bailey, and writer Hanif Abdurraqib.
Happy reading!
Opinion-Editorials
‘The Richmond I Love Is as Misunderstood as a Rebellious Teenager’
“The Richmond I love taught me about pride and purpose as I grew up learning to defend its character,” the author writes.
Danielle Parenteau-Decker
You Can’t Organize Alone
Political education used to happen in person. We should bring that practice back.
How Toni Morrison Helped Me See Myself More Clearly | The Contra Costa Pulse
Commentary, Keisa Reynolds | Photo Courtesy Timothy Greenfield-Sanders/Magnolia Pictures The world lost a literary legend Aug. 5. Toni Morrison was a writer, editor, theorist and visionary from whom I learned to love my Blackness, femininity and community. Like many students, “Bluest Eye” was the first book I read by Morrison. I had the pleasure of
Pulse Editor
The Issues This Year Felt Neverending, But I Still Have Hope | The Contra Costa Pulse
2022 was a year of a few highs —Brittney Griner’s release, new music from Rihanna, Beyoncé and SZA — but mostly lows, like attacks on the LGBTQ+ community.
Danielle Parenteau-Decker
2020 Was a Year of Grief Like No Other | The Contra Costa Pulse
Countless people lost their jobs, homes, health insurance and their lives as the coronavirus killed thousands and highlighted social inequities in the U.S.
Danielle Parenteau-Decker
Reevaluating Relationships in the Pandemic | The Contra Costa Pulse
A writer reflects on what the COVID-19 pandemic — with changing boundaries and all the time spent together — has meant for her marriage and other relationships.
Danielle Parenteau-Decker
Leaving Richmond Shouldn’t Be a Marker of Success | The Contra Costa Pulse
Photo by David Meza/Zap Inc. Leer en Español Commentary, Keisa Reynolds On a recent visit home, a close family friend and longtime neighbor told me I shouldn’t feel guilty for living 1,800 miles away. She told me I am a great example of how leaving Richmond is possible. Instead of guilt, I felt sadness. Leaving
RPadmin
Will My Family Benefit from the New Richmond? | The Contra Costa Pulse
Commentary, Keisa Reynolds I am from Richmond. Despite attending K-12 in El Cerrito and being more familiar with its sites and people, it never felt right to claim being from there. I am from Richmond, where I can hop on a bus and run into at least two people who know my sisters or my
RPadmin
How Leaving the Bay Area Allowed Me to Embrace My Queerness | The Contra Costa Pulse
Commentary, Keisa Reynolds A high school graduate in Colorado recently came out to her classmates in the middle of her valedictorian speech. Emily Bruell has been added to the list of people I wish I could have been in high school. I was 12 years old when I realized I liked girls as much as I
RPadmin
Politics, Advocacy & Organizing
“Solidarity Is How We Win”: After Years of Fighting Toxic Scrapyard, Activists Celebrate a Victory in Chicago
By protesting and going out on hunger strike, environmental justice advocates helped stop a controversial metal scrapper from being built on Chicago’s Southeast Side.
Community Outreach Groups Are in ‘Uncharted Territory’ | The Contra Costa Pulse
Richmond organizations like RYSE, the Office of Neighborhood Safety and neighborhood councils have been challenged by the pandemic to change how they help people.
Danielle Parenteau-Decker
First Richmond, Now California: Can Our Progressives Transform State Politics? | The Contra Costa Pulse
News Report, Keisa Reynolds | Photo by Steve Early Richmond’s move to the left has been the talk of the nation. Now two of the city’s most popular politicians have their sights set on the California State Capitol. Vice Mayor Jovanka Beckles is running for California Assembly and former
RPadmin
Democratic Socialist Jovanka Beckles Could Upset Buffy ‘the Bernie Slayer’ Wicks in CA
Beckles is running in the East Bay on a solidly left-wing platform and her campaign is gaining steam ahead of the November 6 election.
Gayle McLaughlin: Richmond’s Grassroots Trailblazer Has Her Eye on State Capitol | The Contra Costa Pulse
News Report, Keisa Reynolds Richmond City Council has entered a new era without Councilwoman Gayle McLaughlin. The former mayor stepped down on July 18 to focus on her campaign for lieutenant governor of California. McLaughlin, who says she wants to “take back the capitol for the people,” will be running against a batch of
RPadmin
Child Care Isn’t Just Expensive—It Can Be Really Hard to Find
Investigative reporting about corporate malfeasance and government wrongdoing, analysis of national and world affairs, and cultural criticism that matters.
Washington Supreme Court Rules All SeaTac Workers Must Be Paid $15 Minimum Wage
Investigative reporting about corporate malfeasance and government wrongdoing, analysis of national and world affairs, and cultural criticism that matters.
Rahm Emanuel Agrees to $5.5 Million in Reparations for Police Torture Survivors
After a decades-long battle by survivors and advocates, Chicago is poised to finally address a dark legacy.
Artist Profiles & Interviews
For The Love of Brown Girls — hooligan mag
By Keisa Reynolds
Hooligan Magazine
Overcoming Her Stalker Helped Rebecca O’Neal Thrive as a Comedian
The Chicago native paid her dues back home and escaped an ex. Now she’s pushing the industry to treat comedians like her the right way.
Keisa Reynolds
Reviews
Blindspotting’ Shows an Often-Missed Reality | The Contra Costa Pulse
Movie Review, Keisa Reynolds The Bay Area has changed beyond recognition. It’s evident in the new businesses and exclusive condominiums, but it becomes even more apparent when a 20-something takes his sweet time unloading Whole Foods bags from his car. He’s on his phone and uses one hand to take out each bag, one by
RPadmin
‘In Our Mothers’ Garden’ Digs Deep Into Black Motherhood
Review: The Netflix documentary “In Our Mothers’ Garden” provides an intimate look into Black women’s lives and their complex relationships with their moms.
Danielle Parenteau-Decker