The Undefeated launches: Meet a few of the staffers

When Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of The Undefeated, Kevin Merida, is asked about the editorial team for ESPNâ€™s new content initiative exploring the intersections of sports, race and culture, he answers with a glow. â€œItâ€™s an incredible staff that inspires me every day. Overall, itâ€™s an amazing, eclectic collection of talent,â€ says Merida, who, along with managing editor Raina Kelley, has assembled a staff of journalists with wide-ranging experiences for the project. The highly anticipated ESPN digital platform launched today. Leading up to The Undefeated's launch, Front Row caught up with some members of the editorial team who shared their thoughts about the project and what they hope to accomplish. Read Kevin Merida's letter from the Editor in Chief. Kelley Evans, General Editor, The Uplift "I am thrilled to be part of this project and a member of such a dynamic team. I hope to warm the hearts and souls of our visitors with inspiring stories. I desire to share good news on good people. I want readers to learn with us and laugh with us as we present uplifting news in the community." Monis Khan, General Editor, Digital Innovation "In an age defined by shouting matches and salacious clickbait, there are also many who engage in critical, intersectional dialogue on the daily -- yearning not just to be right, but to grow and learn from one another. The Undefeated will deliver compelling content that enlightens, while also pioneering immersive digital experiences that push the boundaries on what we think is possible."Â Lonnae Oâ€™Neal, Senior Writer, Profiles "With launch day finally here, Iâ€™m thrilled, resolute,Â honored and humbled all at once. I canâ€™t wait to try some new moves. I havenâ€™t come up steeped in sports and I can seem an unlikely choice for The Undefeated, but the way I see it, Iâ€™ve been building toward this my whole writing life. And now that Iâ€™m in this game, Iâ€™m tryinâ€™ to play!"Â Danyel Smith, Culture Lead "Iâ€™m beyond thrilled to be a part of The Undefeated. Our culture platform is for stories at the magic spot where sport and culture connect: screen, tech, art, lit, authentic identity, adventure, and more. The links are obvious -- and slight. The links are athleticismâ€”and championship spirit in its many forms.Â Weâ€™re here to make vibrant, dynamic journalism. The possibilities are endless!" Jesse Washington, Senior Writer, Enterprise and Narratives â€œWorking with The Undefeated has already given me a deep sense of inspiration and responsibility, so I canâ€™t wait to experience the actual launch. I feel like we can cover race, sports and culture from the inside out, rather than the outside in. To communicate with our audience in such a personal way is a rare privilege.â€Â Clinton Yates, Senior Writer, All Day Blogger, The Undefeated Podcast Host "The thing about being a black writer is that people always add the label to whateverâ€™s being written. Iâ€™m hoping to be someone who, along with the many tremendous voices at the site, can show readers the true depth, complexity and overall fullness of what blackness and thus its writing (and everything else) is about. And, of course, Iâ€™m trying toÂ have fun."Â

Danyel Smith, Culture Lead

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