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Sidnee Michelle Douyon
Tell us about yourself!
With ties to Brooklyn by way of New Jersey Sidnee Michelle Douyon started her career interning at The Source Magazine where she was quickly promoted to an on-camera personality. From there, she moved to Forbes Magazine where she became the first Black Woman/ woman of color there to report on camera EVER. She truly broke barriers as she integrated Forbes Magazine producing editorials and content focused on the achievements of people of color that Forbes did not produce at the time.
After over a year and a half at Forbes she was offered a lead anchoring position at Complex Media where she started as the lead anchor for Complex’s new finance, culture and business channel; becoming only the second Black on- air anchor for Complex.
Diving into her love of travel and culture, Sidnee went on to become the Deputy Editor for Travel Noire, the largest Black travel outlet in the world.
Currently, Sidnee now lives in Los Angeles as the Senior Digital Editor & host for Black Enterprise.
She also continues her love of entertainment as a celebrity journalist. Most recently she’s interviewed some of today’s most noted figures in entertainment sports and politics including Eddie Murphy, Salma Hyek, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tracy Ellis Ross, Nick Jonas, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Samuel L. Jackson, Michelle Obama, Ice Cube, Erykah Badu, Tyra Banks, Taraji P. Henson, Ava Duvernay Cardi B, Lupita, Jill Scott, Oprah & more!She continues her passion of mentorship & giving back, most recently being named one of the youngest Howard University’s Entertainment Group’s Industry Mentors, an initiative backed & funded by Amazon Studios.
Needless to say, Sidnee Michelle has been breaking barriers and pushing the culture forward her entire life; not only producing content & integrating world- renowned media outlets – but also pushing for POC inclusivity wherever she lands.
What inspired you to pursue a career in journalism, and how did your journey lead you to become a news reporter in LA?
I always wanted to be a story teller. When my local public high school was “dangerous” at the time- my parents had me test into a private catholic school where they had no creative outlets. I created my school’s first newspaper focusing on media, fashion & photography . I was inspired by early Black journalists and reporters in the late 90s/2000s when I saw those on TV who looked like me.
How has your Haitian heritage influenced your approach to journalism?
My Haitian heritage influenced my approach to journalism because even today, there are not many Haitian journalists/reporters. Especially with all the issues going on in Haiti; I worked that much harder to help Haitians in media be successful - so we can tell our story and change the narrative.
Every reporter has stories that leave a lasting impact. Can you share a story or investigative piece of yours that you believe has made a significant difference or sparked positive change within the LA community?
I would say my largest impact as a Black/Haitian woman in media would be during my time at Forbes. As the FIRST BLACK WOMAN/ woman of color there to report on camera EVER for Forbes, I was able to get other Black & brown girls hired there to major roles- and I’ve continued opening doors for other women in media here in LA by connecting them to like opportunities.
How would you describe your reporting style, and what journalistic principles do you hold dear when uncovering the stories that shape LA's narrative?
My reporting style has always been natural- I never try to force being “bubbly” but focused more on making the talent I interview comfortable which allows them to open up to me- a talent that I’ve been told is my “golden trait” as an interviewer.
From Hollywood to local politics, LA offers a wide array of news topics. What beats or subjects do you find most fascinating to cover, and why?
I’m definitely an entrainment girl as I have been reporting on film, tv, music & fashion for over a decade - so moving to LA was a perfect move for me.
Can you share an experience where your cultural background played a significant role in how you covered a story or approached an interview, and how did it enhance the narrative?
My cultural background is always something I like to talk about with my interviewers especially when interviewing talent from the islands. The moment I learn where they are from- I always incorporate questions around cultural heritage.
"Lakay se lakay" – home's everywhere.
Does LA have pockets of home for you? Can you share some "home" hides in the city?
Unfortunately I haven’t found “home” hides in the city but connecting with other Haitians in LA, especially women, has been a great pleasure. Between gathering to cook Haitian food or to listen to Konpa, finding community here has been amazing.
For those striving for success in both their professional and personal lives in Los Angeles, what advice do you have to share from your own experiences?
My advice is to realize your individual power, especially as Haitian people. We are the most resilient, powerful and special people on earth - there’s no one like us. I always seen lean into that cultural power.
Lastly, THE most important question: Bouyon or Soup Joumou?
Soup Joumou OF COURSE!
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