Publication of the University of the District of Columbia's Journalism Program. MARCH 2016

Welcome to the FREE VOICE Online, a project of the Journalism option within the Mass Media program. Our program is a vital and energetic part of the University of the District of Columbia, offering a Mass Media Degree with options in Journalism/Electronic Media, and Video/Digital Production.

Professor Olive Vassell

Oversees the production of the FREE VOICE online and the FREE VOICE print edition. Originally from London, she is founder and managing editor of Euromight.com, a news site about black Europe.

Xavier Bias

Xavier Bias, editor of FREE VOICE online, is a senior at the University of the District of Columbia. She is pursuing a double major in television production, and journalism. Her dream career is to write compelling stories for television and film that show women and people of color in diverse aspects of life. Overall she hopes to create more opportunities for them behind the scenes and in front of the camera.

Melvin Bogard

Melvin Bogard, social media editor, copy editor and reporter for the FREE VOICE online, is a senior broadcast journalism major at the University of the District of Columbia. With a keen understanding of a new media landscape, Bogard's post-graduation plans are to have a successful career in social media relations and to become a documentarian to bring awareness to critical issues facing disenfranchised minority groups.

Tiffany Bridgett

Tiffany Bridgett, photo editor of the FREE VOICE is a senior majoring in mass
media/broadcast journalism. Bridgett is a passionate writer who loves fashion.
Her ultimate career goal is to become a fashion editor and have her
own fashion magazine. Bridgett has worked with several online entertainment blog
websites, which include EverythingGirlsLove.com and XoNecole, formally known as
NecoleBitchie website. One of her inspirational quotes for writing is from Warren Ellis: “ You’re miserable, edgy, and tired, You’re in the perfect mood for journalism."

Maimouna Camara

Maimouna Camara, copy editor of the FREE VOICE, is a mass media/journalism major with a background in television broadcast. She aims to cover international news on TV one day. Originally from Bamako, Mali, her long term goal is to bring growth and innovation to the information system in the African continent.

Osiris Rebollo

A self-proclaimed "Born again Washingtonian," Osiris Rebollo AKA Paris, is a District-based photographer and journalist with a passion for all things D.C. Her photographic work ranges from fine art to commercial products, while her writing is a sweet and sour mixture of her introspective mind and tales of D.C. Here at the FREE VOICE she also serves as a copy editor.

Moussa Traore

Moussa Traore, a photo editor of the FREE VOICE online, plays on the UDC Men’s soccer team. He is currently a senior studying journalism. Although Traore is a soccer player, he’s obsessed with other sports such as football, basketball and baseball.

Brandon Walling

Brandon Walling, layout editor of the FREE VOICE online, is a senior journalism student. Not the most talkative person, Walling prefers to express himself through writing. A native Tennessean, he takes life slowly and is most at home when he is on the couch, watching his beloved Tennessee Volunteers suffer another crushing defeat.

inter_nationalPresident Focuses on Action Plan

BY Melvin bogard

Seven months into his tenure as president, Ronald Mason Jr. continues to focus on the 10-point action plan he presented during the September 2015 convocation to increase enrollment, retention and graduation rates.

Minority Women Engineers Find Support in Programholiday_families

BY osiris rebollo

They may be under-represented in the field, but the members of the University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC) chapter of the Society of Women Engineers are nurtured in the classroom and beyond.

Brainfood Served After Schoolisit_me

BY brandon walling

From the kitchen of a large Methodist church on Massachusetts Avenue, D.C. high schoolers are learning valuable culinary skills.

holiday_giftsSaid "I Do," but Still in School

BY tiffany bridgett

A young bride-to-be meeting her future husband in college seems like a relic from the 1960s. A woman falls in love with her soulmate and then drops out to become the perfect housewife. At least, that’s how the story used to go.

Four Free Things to do in D.C.isit_me

BY xavier bias

D.C. may be an expensive city but it has plenty of things to do for free. These events range from performances to games.