James Rashad is a journalist and cultural writer based in Newark, New Jersey. His work has been featured on WBGO and NPR, covering business, politics, and Black American life. He founded West Ward Beans to close the gap between sharp reporting and real community impact—media that informs, equips, and moves. As Editor-in-Chief, he leads the West Ward Cafe newsletter and oversees editorial strategy across the platform. A hip hop artist who writes poetry daily, his work sits where media meets culture.
Newark’s arts director turned culture into civic infrastructure Some leaders campaign for attention. Others buy their seats. fayemi shakur was built—brick by brick—through movement...