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Articles by

Karen Hawkins

Story Editor (She/Her/Y'all)

I’m Karen Hawkins, the story editor at The 19th. I edit three stellar reporters: Sara Luterman (caregiving and aging), Kate Sosin (LGBTQ+) and Nadra Nittle (education). My journalism career has been shaped by my long ancestral line of griots and writers, nosy neighbors and outspoken women. Not for nothing did a former editor call me Rebellious. I steadfastly believe in the power of stories to create a more just and equitable world, and I’m proud to be a part of The 19th’s commitment to leave behind a more holistic record of history. 

I joined The 19th in 2022, and I draw upon my experience as a newsperson for The Associated Press and reporter for the Windy City Times. I’ve also been co-publisher and editor-in-chief of the Chicago Reader. I’m the founder of Rebellious Magazine for Women and the Feminist Media Foundation, and co-host of the podcast Of Course I’m Not OK. 

I attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern. I live outside of Chicago with my cat, Hala.

My work is free to consume and free to republish because of contributions from readers like you. A donation of $19 goes a long way toward sustaining our nonprofit newsroom.

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The 19th is a reader-supported nonprofit news organization. Our stories are free to republish with these guidelines.