I am an investigative journalist with the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting (MCIR). I am one of 61 reporters across the country who was selected to cover communities and issues that are underreported as part of the Report for America program, a national public service program dedicated to local journalism. Before joining MCIR, I worked as a freelance writer for several years. Prior to that, I worked as a full-time reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Virgin Islands Daily News, The Telegraph and The South Fulton Neighbor. My work has also been featured in numerous other publications and news sites namely, the Clarion Ledger, Mississippi Today, The Meridian Star, the Daily Journal, HealthQuest magazine, Spinal Column magazine, Women’s eNews, MedHelp.org and Examiner.com. I also taught journalism at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. And, I am a member of Investigative Reporters & Editors. I earned my Master of Science degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and my Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University. You may contact me with story ideas at Shirley.Smith.MCIR@gmail.com. I am particularly interested in stories that expose injustice and abuse, further people’s understanding of the human condition, raise public consciousness about important societal ills that are often overlooked or underreported, and amplify the voices of those who are disenfranchised and/or marginalized.

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