Kyla L. Wright has officially stepped into history as the first Black woman to be appointed as Managing Editor of Model D. This milestone appointment marks a significant shift for the publication, which has served as a vital voice for Detroit’s neighborhoods since 2005. Wright, a Detroit native and seasoned storyteller, takes the helm during the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, promising to steer the outlet with a deep commitment to community-centered journalism.
Transitioning into this leadership role felt like a natural progression for Wright, who previously served as a contributor to the publication. Her appointment is not merely a title change; it represents a homecoming for a journalist who has dedicated her career to documenting the brilliance of Black communities. Wright succeeds past editorial leaders like Aaron Foley, Kate Roff, and Biba Adams, vowing to build upon the legacy they established while forging a new path for inclusive local media.
A Foundational Journey Rooted in Detroit Schools
Long before Kyla Wright was an award-winning editor, her journey began in the halls of Renaissance High School. While scanning electives for her freshman year, she chose a journalism course on a whim after her brother explained it simply as “writing for the school paper.” That single choice sparked a lifelong passion that would lead her from reading the Detroit Free Press with her grandmother to eventually reporting for it.
Growing up in the city, she noticed that mainstream narratives often failed to capture the full reality of lived experiences in Detroit. She viewed her early journalism classes not just as academic requirements, but as vehicles to challenge harmful stereotypes and preserve the authentic voices of her neighbors. This early realization that stories could act as a public service became the North Star for her professional aspirations.
Academic Excellence and Grassroots Storytelling
Following her graduation from high school, Wright pursued higher education with a focus on sharpening her craft at prestigious institutions. She earned her first two journalism degrees from Hampton University and Syracuse University, where she mastered the technical skills of reporting and editing. These experiences took her thousands of miles away from home, yet the foundation laid in Detroit remained the core of her storytelling identity.
Beyond her formal education, Wright has consistently championed grassroots media. She founded and led her own publication, Socially Driven, which focuses on social entrepreneurs and community-based businesses in marginalized areas across the nation. Furthermore, she served as a Neighborhoods Reporter at the Detroit Free Press, contributing to the launch of “Detroit Is”—a vertical specifically designed to tell Detroit’s stories through the eyes of its own residents.
Representing Black Culture and Media Leadership
As she takes on this new responsibility, Wright recognizes that representation in media leadership is essential in a city where Black culture is the primary driver of innovation. “In a city where Black culture and innovation shape every layer of life, representation in media leadership is not only symbolic: it is essential,” Wright noted. She joins a distinguished circle of local editorial leaders, including Nicole Avery Nichols of the Detroit Free Press and Dr. Erin Perry of Outlier Media, both of whom she credits as inspirations.
Currently a Ph.D. student at Michigan State University studying Media and Information, Wright continues to bridge the gap between academic research and journalistic practice. Her vision for Model D is clear: to remain an open and eager listener to the neighborhoods of Detroit. By inviting residents to share the stories that need to be told, she aims to ensure that the publication remains a reflection of the city’s true spirit and resilience.
“Detroit’s history is inseparable from Black life, Black imagination, and Black resilience, and Model D has long played a role in documenting that truth.” — Kyla L. Wright
