Meet Lanece Webb, a Fall 2020 Lede New Orleans Fellow
Lanece Webb will be doing community reporting work in New Orleans this fall as part of the Lede New Orleans fellowship program.
By Jennifer Larino
Lanece Webb, a senior at Dillard University, grew up in New Orleans East and was immersed in the city’s rich Black culture throughout her childhood, following the Mardi Gras Indians and second lining as a member of the CTC Steppers. Webb, 21, is studying mass communications. She is interested in covering breaking news and New Orleans culture.
What does equitable media mean to you?
LW: I think it means something that makes sense and is relatable. I feel like you won’t really build that connection with people in the community unless you’re producing some content that we can feel and relate to. Prime example: I was getting my hair done. Every time I get my hair braided I always pay someone that’s working in their house. So as I was sitting there to get my hair braided and I just had a thought. This is what people would love to see. This is raw. This is real. This is what goes on in our Black community.
Describe a recent project that meant a lot to you.
LW: I’ve been using iMovie trying to figure out different ways to produce [video] content… I recently recorded my uncle cooking. He was all into it with me. I was like, ‘Look, I’m going to record you. We’re going to set this whole thing up.’ He was making salmon. I did the little B-roll thing and he was explaining to my camera about what he was doing. What does he put on it? I kinda played with it a little bit to where you can see him cooking, but it sped up. And then I had the final result and I just was so proud of it. It excites me that I’m actually learning how to do it.
What is your goal for this fellowship?
LW: My goal is really just to come out experienced, educated and actually take something from this. I can be hard on myself… I just always feel like I need to be doing more. I don’t know if it’s because you get sidetracked by social media and you see people moving at their pace. But I’m about to graduate and the last thing that I want is to just be one of those people who would take a totally different direction from what they were initially in school for.
What else do you want the community to know about you?
LW: I come from a single parent household. However, I have a very strong support system. My dad was murdered when I was five. And after that, it was pretty much my mom, my aunt, my grandmother building me into this woman that I am today… I’m named after my dad. His name was Lance. I’m Lanece. His middle name was Alexis. I’m Alexia. He’s vicariously living through me.
