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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

J.R. Smith, J.R. Smith graduation, JR Smith graduation, J.R. Smith NCA&T, J.R. Smith North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University,
April 23, 2026
This spring, former NBA champion J.R. Smith will graduate with a bachelor's degree from North Carolina A&T State University at…
Michelle Obama, Michelle Obama Angel Reese, Michelle Obama IMO podcast, Angel Reese IMO podcast theGrio.com
April 22, 2026
On her podcast, Michelle Obama praises Angel Reese’s resilience as they speak candidly about the scrutiny Black women face in…
Virginia elections, Viginia yes vote, Virginia Sen. Louise Lucas, Virginia redistricting, Virginia Don Scott, Virginia Charniele L. Herring, virginia redistricting vote, Virginia redistricting vote results theGrio.com
April 22, 2026
Virginia legislators Louise Lucas, Don Scott, and Charniele Herring took on redistricting and helped shape a pivotal political moment.
Michael, Michael biopic style, michael dress code, what to wear to Michael biopic, Michael Jackson inspired outfits theGrio.com
April 21, 2026
From replica to remixes, 'Michael' Costume designer Marci Rodgers encourages fans to show up in their best Michael Jackson-inspired outfits.
KevOnStage, KevOnStage LGBTQ+, KevOnStage Cam Newston, KevOnStage Christian theGrio.com
April 21, 2026
After reflecting on church culture and LGBTQIA+ treatment, KevOnStage finds himself at the center of a social media debate.
Ricky, Ricky Rashaad Frett, Ricky Lin Que Ayoung, Ricky Stephan James theGrio.com
April 20, 2026
“Ricky” tells the story of a man released after 15 years in prison, exploring mistakes, grace, and the village it…
Michael movie, Michael Jackson biopic, Nia Long Michael, Colman Domingo Michael, Jafaar Jackson Michael, Antoine Fuqua Michael theGrio.com, Michael Box Office
April 20, 2026
“We all know Michael Jackson, but the human is in Michael,” Antoine Fuqua said, explaining the intentional choice behind the…
young mothers, Black maternal health week, young mothers black maternal health week, Dream Youth Clinic, Dr. Aisha Mays, theGrio.com
April 17, 2026
Rapper Monaleo's medical scare is a reminder that the fight for Black maternal health must include young mothers, as Dr.…
Cerina Fairfax, what happened to Dr. Cerina Fairfax?, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax, Dr. Cerina Fairfax Justin Fairfax, who was Dr. Cerina Fairfax? theGrio.com
April 17, 2026
Although her life ended tragically, Dr. Cerina W. Fairfax’s story represents excellence, care, and community rather than just tragedy.
Thomas Crown Affair, Michael B. Jordan Thomas Crown Affair, Michael B Jordan director, Michael B Jordan new movie theGrio.com
April 16, 2026
Michael B. Jordan leads on-screen and behind the scenes of the new "The Thomas Crown Affair," a cultural reimagination of…
Kennedy Ryan, Kennedy Ryan Before I Let Go, Before I let Go adaptation, Kennedy Ryan Before I Let Go series, Before I let Go TV series, Kennedy Ryan Before I Let Go deal, Kennedy Ryan Malcolm D. Lee theGrio.com
April 16, 2026
NYT bestselling author Kennedy Ryan has signed a deal with Universal Studio Group to bring her popular romance novel to…
Jools Lebron, very demure creator, jools lebron very demure, cons of going viral, going viral theGrio.com
April 15, 2026
After skyrocketing to internet fame, Jools Lebron opens up about mental health, pressure, and what success really cost her.
new releases, books by Black authors, new releases Black authors, Books by Black authors theGrio.com
April 15, 2026
This week was a good one for Black authors, and for readers who know there’s nothing like a story told…
Nia Long, Nia Long dating, Nia long relationship, Nia Long Playboy, Nia Long Estee Lauder theGrio.com
April 14, 2026
Actress Nia Long gets real about dating, and why this chapter is all about freedom, fun, and focusing on her…
April 14, 2026
As officials investigate “forever chemicals” in Lululemon, we’re shopping these Black-owned, inclusive, and sustainable athleisure brands.
Coc Gauff, Coco Gauff Miu Miu, Coco Gauff hair, Coco Gauff hair miu miu theGrio.com
April 10, 2026
Coco Gauff’s natural hairstyle in her recent Miu Miu campaign shouldn’t be a conversation, but here we are again.
University of Missouri, MIzzou Black student organization, Legion of Black Collegians,
April 8, 2026
From the University of Missouri to the University of Alabama, universities are gutting funding for Black student organizations in response…
Carie Everett, Carie Everett Miss North Carolina, Miss North Carolina death, Miss North Carolina cancer, Carie Everett cancer, cancer young people, young people cancer theGrio.com
April 7, 2026
Miss North Carolina '24, Carie Everett's death is shining a light on the alarming rise of early-onset cancers in young…
Halle Bailey, Halle Bailey Nina Lee, Halle Bailey You Me & Tuscany, You Me & Tuscany Nina Lee, Black rom coms theGrio.com
April 7, 2026
"Nothing can stop us" Halle Bailey voices her support for Black director who was told her film depended on the…
Misty Copeland, Misty Copeland perimenopause, Black women perimenopause, perimenopause theGrio.com
April 6, 2026
After years of dismissing symptoms, Misty Copeland is opening up about perimenopause—and why recognizing the signs earlier can empower women.