This month, The Connecticut Mirror is launching the “Raising Voices Lab,” a foray into local reporting and service journalism that aims to bridge the information gap between historically underserved communities and statewide public policy.

The Raising Voices Lab is a new desk at CT Mirror that will take a different approach to meeting information needs and distributing reporting to readers. It will be spearheaded by two community engagement reporters — one based in Bridgeport and one in Hartford — who will form relationships in their cities and crowdsource questions on anything from home ownership to Medicaid to city happenings.

The reporters will research the answers to those questions, then push that information out via text, social media and events. They will also write about what’s working in their communities, which too often only make the news when something negative happens. And they’ll bring learnings and story tips from conversations with community members back to the rest of CT Mirror’s staff to inform other reporting as well.

The goal of the Raising Voices Lab is to understand and meet the information needs of communities of color and to shine a light on stories that have historically been absent from dominant narratives about underrepresented communities.

“Making the connection between public policy and its impact on underserved communities — particularly communities of color — has long been a priority for The Connecticut Mirror, but this initiative gives us an opportunity to take that work a step further,” said CT Mirror Executive Editor Elizabeth Hamilton. “By centering the voices of residents, we hope to discover and address information gaps in these communities and provide useful tools for people to participate in solutions. We are honored to have the opportunity to work in these communities and eager to begin the listening that is at the heart of service journalism.”

CT Mirror has hired a community engagement reporter for Bridgeport and will announce the reporter serving Hartford in the coming weeks.

Bridgeport

Bridgeport native Reginald David will serve as the city’s community engagement reporter. David previously served as a producer at KCUR 89.3, Kansas City’s NPR station, where he created community-centered programming, led live event coverage for major events, and launched KC Soundcheck, a music series spotlighting local and national artists.

David has also hosted special segments, including an in-depth interview with civil rights leader Alvin Brooks and live community coverage on issues like racial segregation and neighborhood development.

A graduate of Avila University in Kansas City, he began his journalism career as an “Integrity in News” intern at WNPR in Hartford.

His first day at CT Mirror was Monday.

“We’re excited to have Reginald join CT Mirror to report on Connecticut’s largest city,” said Enterprise Editor Keila Torres Ocasio. “His knowledge of Bridgeport, coupled with his experience in community-based reporting in Kansas City, gives him a unique perspective. His goal will be to give readers in the city information that is relevant to them and readers outside the city a new reason to care about what’s happening in the Park City.”

CT Mirror’s Manager of Membership Irene Mackey chatted with David about his plans for his new role. Their conversation is below:

CT Mirror: What drew you to CT Mirror and the role of Community Engagement Reporter?

Reginald: CT Mirror’s focus on policy and accountability journalism stood out to me. I’ve found the reporting to be thoughtful and impactful. I was especially drawn to the Raising Voices Lab because I’ve always cared about uplifting underrepresented communities. This role feels like a natural next step in my work connecting stories to the people they impact.

CT Mirror: This role centers on the city of Bridgeport. How do you plan to build trust and connect with people who may not see themselves reflected in traditional media?

Reginald: I plan to show up consistently, not just when there’s a story. Whether it’s chatting at local businesses or attending events, I’ll be present, listening, and transparent about what I’m doing. I want people to see me as a neighbor, not just a reporter.

CT Mirror: Community-focused journalism often blends reporting with resource-sharing. How do you plan to decide whether a story needs to inform, explain, or guide someone to take action?

Reginald: I’ll listen to what people are asking. If there’s confusion, I’ll explain. If they’re looking for help, I’ll guide. If it’s something they’ve never heard about, I’ll inform. My goal is to make sure stories are useful and accessible.

CT Mirror: CT Mirror has a focus on state policy. How do you envision connecting local questions, like neighborhood development or access to services, to broader systems or statewide decisions?

Reginald: Most local issues are tied to bigger systems, going from housing to education. I want to show how Bridgeport residents are affected by statewide policies and focus on the connections between what’s happening in their neighborhood and what’s being decided in their city and community.

CT Mirror: Is there a local Bridgeport spot you love to visit, or something new you’re hoping to discover about the city?

Reginald: I love the beach, so being able to continue to visit all the beaches in the area is both a pleasure and a goal of mine. I’m also excited to keep exploring Bridgeport’s food spots and meet more of the people who make the city what it is.