Auzinea Bacon - Co-Editor-in-chief

Auzinea is a senior double majoring in journalism and government & politics at the University of Maryland. She is mostly interested in print media, but has been a reporter for the campus radio station, a writer at the Black Explosion and at the Diamondback. She worked as an orientation advisor for the university, a reporter for Capital News Service and is currently interning for the Washington Business Journal. She hopes to write as a foreign correspondent one day.

Aaron Wright - Co-Editor-in-Chief

Aaron is a senior majoring in journalism with a cerfificate in African American studies. He has prior experience working as a reporter for the Black Explosion and for WMUC as a member of Drop the Pop, an anchor for Weekly Roundup and host of his own radio show: The Afro Files. In addition to being Co-EIC, he’s also the audio editor for Offbeat. Bringing his years of journalistic experience from the Baltimore Banner and the Fauquier Times, Aaron wishes to continue the legacy of having the Black Explosion be a voice for the community. In his free time, Aaron enjoys reading, watching anime and movies and building model kits.

Mario Morais - Managing Editor

Mario is a junior double majoring in Information Science and journalism. He was raised in Columbia, MD, and served as the Editor in Chief for his former high school's newspaper. In his free time, Mario likes to code, watch Netflix, and write. He has a strong interest in writing about current events and tech issues impacting the Black community.

Mara K. Bell - Staff Writer

Hi! I’m Mara (she/her), a journalism student at The University of Maryland! I believe in finding your Why and mine is because as a staff writer for the Black Explosion, I’m able to empower unheard voices. I’m mostly interested in storytelling through journalism and digging up what’s been covered in plain sight. Feel free to contact me via email at marakb@terpmail.umd.edu.

Jon Dennis - Staff Writer

My name is Jon Dennis and I am a junior Journalism major who grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, with a minor in General Business. I have a passion for writing as well as media, marketing, and design. I have been a member of many extracurricular activities on campus, primarily the club, One Thousand Schools, a non-profit organization that promotes “empowerment through education.” Last winter break I volunteered for a week in Mezapa, Honduras to help break ground on a new kindergarten school for impoverished children. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in marketing and digital advertising!

Ashley Ankapong - Staff Writer

I am from Rockville, Maryland. I write and shoot video for fun, and I like taking pictures as well. I like to eat waakye and bofrot (puff puff). In my free time, I listen to music.

Alexa Henry - Staff Writer

I earned my B.A. in Communications and a minor in African American Studies from Penn State University. Currently, I am a color analyst for B1G+ and I am a contributing writer for the athletics department. When I’m not doing anything sports related, I like to read or hang out with my dog Winston!

Kalyn May - Copy Editor

I’m an English language and literature major with a focus in language, writing, and rhetoric. I’m also a member of Sigma Tau Delta International Honor Society.

Laura charleston - copy editor

I am a first generation Haitian American student and journalism major.