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About Haniyah P.

Haniyah Philogene is an award-winning multimedia storyteller and staff writer at theGrio, where she covers the intersection of culture, identity, and current events. Driven by a passion for storytelling and digital media, she focuses on uncovering untold narratives and finding innovative ways to share stories that center on Black figures and cultural trends.

Before joining theGrio, Haniyah served as a Leadership & Communities editorial contributor for Forbes, specifically covering diverse faces and identities within business and leadership. Her experience also includes a prestigious fellowship with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and Microsoft, a program dedicated to developing the next generation of emerging storytellers.

Throughout her career, Haniyah has reported on a wide range of topics, from the impact of corporate social justice commitments to the entrepreneurial journeys of industry leaders like Yvette Noel-Schure. Her work is characterized by a "reading between the lines" approach, making complex cultural developments accessible and engaging for a digital audience.
Areas of Expertise

Trend, Culture & Lifestyle Reporting
Beauty & Fashion
Entertainment
Live event coverage
Multimedia Storytelling
Business & Leadership Profiles
Social Justice & Corporate Accountability

Professional Experience

Lifestyle Reporter — theGrio (Present)
Editorial Contributor/Intern — Forbes
NABJ/Microsoft Fellow — National Association of Black Journalists

Education

Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications – Columbia University
Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science and Magazine, News & Digital Journalism — S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University

All Articles

June 17, 2026
From NeNe Leakes to Tiffany Pollard, these Black reality TV stars shaped pop culture, created iconic moments, and changed television…
Michelle Obama Skirt, Obama Presidential Center, Michelle Obama mom, Michelle Obama mother, Marian Robinson theGrio.com
June 17, 2026
Michelle Obama brought her late mother Marian Robinson into the Obama Presidential Center through a custom skirt with her portrait.
The Dad Gang Lego, Lego the dad gang, “Building to Bonding” legos, Building to Bonding The Dad Gang, The Dad Gang, Sean Williams The Dad Gang, What is the dad gang?, Black fatherhood organizations, organizations for Black fathers, organizations for Black dads, Fatherhood organizations theGrio.com
June 16, 2026
Whether navigating newborns, toddlers, co-parenting, or mental health, these groups are reminding Black dads they don’t have to do it…
Black children drowning rates, Black youth drowning, Black people swiming, water safety for Black children, racial disparity in drowning deaths, Black swimming history theGrio.com
June 16, 2026
Data shows Black children drown at significantly higher rates than their white peers, a disparity tied to access, history, and…
Kai Cenat Streamer Univeristy
June 15, 2026
The demand for admission into Kai Cenat’s Streamer University underscores deeper shifts in how young people view careers and opportunity.
Regina Hall, Regina Hall career, Regina Hall Scary Movie, Regina Hall Hyundai, Hyundai Look at You Now, Regina Hall Hyundai Look at you now theGrio.com
June 15, 2026
Regina Hall reflects on the people who championed her early on and why she’s on a mission to pay it…
Books queer authors, Queer books, Black queer books, Books LGBTQ+, Books black queer books to read, Black LGBTQ books, Pride Month reading list, LGBTQ books by Black authors, queer books by Black authors, Black LGBTQ literature theGrio.com
June 12, 2026
These books highlight the complexity & beauty of Black queer experiences through stories readers from all backgrounds can connect with.
Lil Rel Howery, Lil Rel Howery Karmelo Anthony, Lil Rel Howery harmful jokes, theGrio.com
June 12, 2026
Lil Rel Howery argues that what audiences laugh at can have real-world consequences, especially for Black Americans like Karmelo Anthony.
Black podcasts to listen to, Black podcasts, podcast recommendations, best podcasts theGrio.com
June 11, 2026
From politics and pop culture to wellness, and untold history, these podcasts prove great conversations are still worth tuning in…
Jordyn Woods, Jordyn Woods bag, Jordyn Woods lucky bag, Jordyn Woods orange back, Woods by Jordyn orange bag, where to buy Knicks lucky bag, Knicks lucky bag, Knicks championship, New York Knicks lucky bag theGrio.com
June 11, 2026
The Knicks are one win away from a championship, and fans are giving major credit to Jordyn Woods and her…
Priscilla Stephens Kruize, Priscilla Stephens Kruize FAMU, Prisicilla Stephens FAMU, Priscilla Stephens civil rights, Priscilla Stephens florida civil rights theGrio.com
June 10, 2026
Priscilla Stephens Kruize played a key role in the civil rights movement at FAMU. Now, she needs support to cover…
June 10, 2026
Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years by a non-Black jury. Here's why that matters, and what we can do…
June 9, 2026
Fruity-florals to Caribbean-inspired scents, your nose will thank you for wearing these Black-owned fragrances this summer.
Black college graduates 2026, recent college graduates, Black graduates job market thrGrio.com
June 9, 2026
Data shows Black college grads are confident in their abilities but overwhelmed by debt, a tough job market, and financial…
Trump Kristen Welker, Donald Trump Meet the press, Donald trump Black female journalists theGrio.com
June 8, 2026
President Donald Trump’s recent outburst in an interview with Kristen Welker on “Meet The Press” reflects a larger pattern.
Kerry Washignton, Kerry Washington Scandal, Fitz and Olivia Scandal, Kerry Washingtont Olivia Pope, Kerry Washington Tony Goldwyn interview theGrio.com
June 8, 2026
Looking back, Kerry Washington says starring in Shonda Rhimes' hit drama "Scandal" demanded a level of maturity she hadn’t yet…
Y'Lan noel, Y'lan Noel Nemesis, Coltrane Nemesis, coltrane wilder, coltrane wilder actor, Nemesis, Nemesis season 2 theGrio.com
June 5, 2026
Y’lan Noel as Coltrane Wilder has the internet in a chokehold. The “Nemesis” star breaks down his most compelling role…
what to watch?, shows to watch, binge-worthy shows, Black shows to watch theGrio.com
June 5, 2026
If your weekend plans involve staying in, here are 11 binge-worthy shows and movies on streaming to add to your…
Scary Movie 6, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Scary Movie 6 Shawn Wayans, Scary Movie 6 Marlon Wayans theGrio.com
June 4, 2026
Ahead of “Scary Movie 6,” Shawn and Marlon Wayans share their approach to making boundary-pushing comedy in 2026.
Kelly Rowland, Kelly Rowland grief, Kelly Rowland community
June 4, 2026
For years, Kelly Rowland experienced “rashes” she didn’t know were eczema, now she wants others to understand the power of…