Unique partnership using radio and wikipedia to fill news deserts

Dante Miller

Dante Miller reports for WFAE/Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Digital Public Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, a partnership of the local NPR station and the region’s largest public library system. She focuses on expanding Wikipedia entries that both describe and impact the community and uses public forums to help get the community’s input. Miller knows the area well. She covered community-based stories during her time as a reporter and freelancer for QCityMetro, Charlotte’s leading digital platform for the African-American community. She was the Union County Reporter for Charlotte Media Group, the owners of Union County Weekly, South Charlotte Weekly, and Matthews Mint Hill Weekly. Miller is a proud alumna of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and received her Bachelor's of Science in journalism and mass communications in August 2017. As a student, she served as the first Yard Section Editor for her university newspaper, which focused on hard and campus news stories. During her free time, Miller enjoys reading, singing and writing poetry. She's a military brat who was born in Arlington, Texas, but raised in Wilson, North Carolina.

WFAE/Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library

WFAE is the NPR station serving a 32-county area in the Charlotte region. For 32 years, people across the Carolinas have relied on WFAE to offer comprehensive and in-depth reporting. We air acclaimed NPR programs and produce an award-winning weekday show, Charlotte Talks. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is one of America’s leading urban public libraries, serving a community of more than one million citizens in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Through 20 locations, 450 staff members, targeted outreach, and a robust online presence, the Library delivers exceptional services and programs with a mission to improve lives and build a stronger community. The Library’s priority outcomes include strengthening public engagement and increasing community connections by capturing and providing easy access to voices, perspectives, and reports reflecting the diversity of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The Digital Public Library of America amplifies the value of libraries and cultural organizations as Americans’ most trusted sources of shared knowledge. We do this by collaborating with partners to accelerate innovative tools and ideas that empower and equip libraries to make information more accessible.