Feature Writing Leads

Feature Writing Leads 

1. Anecdote

Essence Magazine - Feb 20, 2026

Meet The First All-Black Trauma Team Making History At Johns Hopkins

The Lead: Five residents make history in Baltimore and become their ancestors' wildest dreams in a field that has never seen anything like it. These are the faces of John Hopkins newest all-black trauma team leading the way for those who look just like them in the medical field.  

Comment: The lead provides insight into how important this moment is for these five black doctors in the medical field. 

2. Description

Ebony Magazine - Feb 17, 2026

                              I Am Somebody: "How Jesse Jackson Built Black Political Power

Lead: The Man, The Political Leader, The Great Unifier Jessie Jackson born in Greenville, SC has passed away. Let us remember his legacy and what he helped build!

Comment: This lead sets the tone by describing the focus of the article Jessie Jackson and remembering him for what he’s done throughout his life. 

3. Quotation

Los Angeles Sentinel - Feb 18,2026

Making It Good in the Hood Ministries to Present "Awareness Fest" to share information on resources across faiths and communities

Lead: “Information, Awareness, and Community Oh My!”

Comment:  I thought it was a simple lead but straight to the point informing their readers about what the article was about and what it has to offer. 

4. Question

Ebony Magazine - Feb 18, 2026

Americas Next Top Model opened doors for black talent but... at what price?

Lead: It May Have Been A Chance of A Lifetime But Was This Level of Exposure Really Worth It? 

Comment: I do agree with the lead as after the dynamic docuseries that was on Netflix of the traumatic and over the top series Americas Next Top Model it left many models particularly those of color in worse shape to get a job

5. Suspenseful

Atlanta Daily - Feb 20, 2026I

CE agents kept shooting themselves during firearms drives, docs reveal

Lead: You Won’t Believe It! ICE agents just aren’t shooting innocent people they are carelessly shooting themselves too!

Comment: I think it was good attention grabber as I too was curious as to what the article meant by stating they are shooting themselves as well. 

6. Iconic

Feb 20, 2026 - Black Enterprise Magazine

Alabama Jail Officer Says He Was Fired Over Stolen Honey Buns

 Lead: Officer of the law put in jail for the same crimes as his previous perps.

Comment: This lead was hilarious because REALLY? Honey buns? But at the same time officers are not above the law no matter the crime. 

7. Direct-address

March 25,2025

Spend your money where you’re respected

Lead: They Don’t Deserve Your Hard-Earned Money With Treatment Like That!

Comment: This is the most direct story lead I have ever seen and even more true for consumers who spend a large amount of money to still be treated less than. 

8. Words Used In Unusual Ways

                                                          Los Angeles Sentinel - Feb 18, 2026

                                                               Give Your Life Away

Lead:  Your Life Is Not Your Own…Give It Up!

Comment:  The lead did its job and was a bit unsettling at first glance, but it really put things into perspective of how our ancestors before us really paved the way. 

9. Shockers 

Blavity Magazine - Feb 21, 2026

American Idol Contestant Charged in Wifes Murder: What To Know About What Happened With Calab Flynn

Lead: Once beloved contestant of American Idol Commits Murder and Here’s What We Know!

Comment: A perfect shock and awe lead that will automatically catch a reader’s attention especially if they were fans of the suspect.