Meet the New Executive Member: Jewel Benton

By: Mana Faye

Meet Jewel Benton the incoming Secretary on the Executive Board of the New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ).

Jewel Benton is a storyteller at heart, and her love for journalism began with her nose buried deep in books during her childhood.

From a young age, she fell in love with reading, devouring as many stories and magazines as she could. Writing came naturally, and she was always curious about other people and their stories.

“I got into journalism because I loved writing,” Jewel says. “I didn’t think so much about the interview part at first.”

Jewel studied Journalism at York College of the City University of New York, where professors encouraged students to build portfolios and collect clips. At the time, she didn’t fully grasp how important that advice would become. It wasn’t until after graduation, during an internship at Scholastic, that everything clicked.

Being at Scholastic reconnected her to the joy she felt from reading as a child and inspired the creation of So Booking Cool, her interview platform dedicated to spotlighting authors and creatives behind stories that shape culture.

Originally launched as a website focused on the book industry, So Booking Cool has since expanded into interviews with leading and emerging voices across music, television, film, and publishing. Its podcast, hosted by Jewel, reflects her lifelong curiosity about artists' creative processes.

“I wanted to interview the people who were behind the scenes of some of my favorite books,” she says. “Authors, creatives—people whose work I already loved.”

One of Jewel’s earliest interviews was with Keke Palmer, following the release of Palmer's first book, I Don’t Belong to You. From there, the platform grew, with the mission of highlighting stories that are often overlooked.

Today, Jewel works as an independent journalist, navigating an ever-changing industry, particularly for Black journalists.

“It really started from wanting to show that I’m serious about being a part of this industry,” she says, “but also letting my excitement guide me toward stories I was genuinely interested in and curious about.”

In addition to her independent work, Jewel has produced a documentary for 60 Minutes through the CUNY/CBS TV Boot Camp and has held internships at both major and independent publishers, which she says has further strengthened her reporting and storytelling skills. Her connection to NYABJ began as a student member, but for years she hesitated to fully step in. That changed when she attended her first NYABJ event this year—the Black History Month brunch.

“It felt right,” she says.

Encouraged by the warmth of former president Bonita Sostre, Jewel took the leap and started attending more events—something she wishes had happened sooner. Jewel also considers Cynthia Horner a mentor, calling the connection a full-circle moment. Jewel herself once won a Right On! writing contest after submitting a poem—her first major writing win.

While she has had moments of doubt about choosing journalism, Jewel says NYABJ has continually reaffirmed that she made the right decision.

“Being part of NYABJ has been wonderful because of the people I’ve met and being able to continue practicing my craft,” she says.

An incoming member of the executive board, Jewel is focused on growth, community, and maintaining space for Black journalists—especially in a time of industry layoffs and uncertainty.

“With everything happening right now for Black journalists, NYABJ exists for a reason,” she says. “And that matters.”

Her advice to young journalists is simple but firm: start.

“If you want to be a writer, write. If you want to start something, just start,” Jewel says. “You learn by doing.”