25 February 2025 3 minute read
As the day fades over Spelman College’s historic campus, Kylar Gray can frequently be found in one of the most dynamic spots on campus – the center of The Blueprint editorial team. To the untrained eye, her role may appear as just another leadership position, but to those who have experienced the magic of student journalism at Spelman, Gray’s work is a powerful example of how storytelling can transform and empower.
Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Gray arrived at Spelman with a spark that would soon ignite something far greater than herself. Arriving with ambitious dreams, a deep passion for amplifying voices, and a love for creative writing, Gray quickly found her place at Spelman. She along with her close friend, Mauranne Vernier played a key role in reviving The Blueprint, Spelman’s campus magazine – a space for Black women to take charge of their narratives, share their distinct perspectives and gain invaluable experience in a field, where their presence is desperately needed.
Through Gray’s leadership, The Blueprint has transformed into much more than a publication – it has become a lifeline for aspiring writers, photographers, videographers, and journalists. But Gray’s story is far from ordinary. It’s a story of resilience, growth and unrelenting passion for creating spaces where Black women’s voices can flourish.
Gray’s passion for writing was sparked early in her life. In second grade, her teachers recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue it further. That early validation set the stage for her future path and by high school, Gray was deeply immersed in creative writing, using it as an outlet to express her innermost thoughts and ideas. Writing became a form of therapy, a safe space to explore her emotions and better understand the world around her.
Gray’s mother, a skilled blogger, played a pivotal role in her development. “She taught me that the smallest adjustments in writing can make all the difference,” she said. Whether it was reviewing each other’s work or discussing blog, post ideas, Gray and her mother fostered a relationship that was grounded and a shared respect for the power of the written word.
But her journey extended beyond the written page. She found inspiration and characters like Mary Jane Paul, from Being Mary Jane, who depicted the nuanced struggle of being a Black woman in journalism. These influences, along with her mentors – a diverse group of talented writers, Tetes, and professional professionals – shaped her vision of journalism as both a powerful and transformative force.
Gray’s leadership took a significant turn when she co-founded the revival of The Blueprint at Spelman College. Recognizing the absence of formal journalism courses and the consistent platform for student voices, she was determined to create one. “No one tells our story like we do,” Kylar explains. “And I wanted Spelman students to have the platform to share their voices with the world.”
Gray and Mauranne’s efforts centered on creating a space for Black women to excel in journalism. Through their work, they ensured that it became more than just a magazine – it was a powerful tool for students to sharpen their skills, grow as journalists, and shape their futures. “Watching my team grow as writers and seeing our publication gain recognition has been incredibly rewarding,” Gray shares. “We’ve built a community of storytellers who support and inspire each other.” Under Gray’s leadership, The Blueprint has grown its presence on campus, offering students the chance to publish their work, reflecting their unique experiences and passions. And Gray’s impact didn’t stop there.
She presented at Harvard’s Journalism Conference, where she learned from student journalists nationwide and honed her leadership abilities. During her time as a Communications Intern at The Carter Center, she gained experience in public relations and journalism. One of her favorite projects was drafting President Carter’s 100th birthday press release. Her internship experiences and position as a Digital Media Fellow for the Online News Association expanded her perspective further. By connecting with journalists from Teen Vogue, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, she deepened her understanding of the industry's complexities while enhancing her creative skill set.
As Gray nears graduation, her legacy at Spelman College is undeniable: she will be remembered as someone who fought tirelessly to bring student journalism to the forefront. Through The Blueprint, she has created a platform for students to tell their stories and be empowered to take on challenges they may have once thought unreachable. Looking toward the future, she envisions herself leaving a mark in the realms of journalism, public relations and communications. “I want to use my voice to grow, inspire others, and make a difference,” she says. “Whether that’s in a major company or publication, I want my work to speak to others.”