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A Note from Publisher Samuel P. Martin
I am pleased to announce that Javacia Harris Bowser has been named the new executive editor of The Birmingham Times, bringing a strong voice, a clear editorial vision, and a deep commitment to meaningful storytelling to the role. In this new position, Javacia will help guide our content direction, strengthen our editorial standards, and continue building a publication that informs, engages, and empowers readers.
Javacia’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter. Known for her thoughtful approach to writing and editing, she brings both energy and creativity to shaping stories. Her experience and passion for elevating important voices make her well-suited to lead the editorial team with purpose.
As editor, Javacia will focus on developing compelling content that reflects the needs, interests, and experiences of our audience. She will work closely with writers, contributors, and team members to identify strong ideas, sharpen stories, and ensure that each piece meets the publication’s goals for quality, clarity, and impact. Her leadership will support both the day-to-day editorial process and the long-term growth of our storytelling efforts.
Over the last four months, Javacia’s leadership in our newsroom as interim editor has consistently demonstrated an ability to bring people and ideas together. Her perspective will help create space for fresh ideas, diverse viewpoints, and content that resonates with readers.
In addition to her editorial expertise, Javacia brings enthusiasm for input and collaboration. She values the contributions of those involved in the publishing process and is committed to fostering an environment in which writers feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to do their best work. Her approach will help strengthen the creative process from the earliest stages of brainstorming through final publication. I am confident that Javacia’s leadership will advance the publication’s mission and deepen its connection with the community it serves.
Please join me in congratulating Javacia on her new role as editor. We look forward to the insight, creativity, and leadership she will bring to this position, and I am excited for the work ahead under her guidance.
Get to know Javacia a little better by reading a Q&A published in this week’s edition:
By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
When Javacia Harris Bowser was 19 years old, she saw her first byline appear in The Birmingham Times. Decades later, she returns to the newspaper — not as a freelance writer or guest editor, but as its new executive editor.
After serving as guest editor for the 2025 Women’s History Month issue, proofreading weekly editions and stepping in as interim editor during Women’s History Month 2026, Bowser now assumes leadership of one of Alabama’s longest-standing Black-owned newspapers.
A Birmingham native, educator, award-winning journalist and founder of See Jane Write, Bowser brings decades of experience in storytelling, editing and community building to the role. She succeeds longtime Executive Editor Barnett Wright with a vision centered on honoring the newspaper’s legacy while embracing new ways to reach readers.
In this conversation with The Birmingham Times, Bowser reflects on her journey, her vision for the publication and why she believes local journalism matters more than ever.
Q: What does it mean to you personally and professionally to become editor of The Birmingham Times?
JHB: Becoming the editor of The Birmingham Times is a full-circle moment for me because my very first byline was in the Times when I was 19 years old.
Many moons later, in the late 2010s, I started freelancing for the Times regularly. In 2025, I had the opportunity to be the guest editor for the Women’s History Month issue, which led to me being asked to proofread every issue. Being part of the production side of things proved invaluable because it allowed me to learn the nuts and bolts of what it takes to get the paper out each week.
And in yet another full-circle moment, I started my time as interim editor during Women’s History Month 2026.
Q: Can you describe the moment you learned you would be stepping into this role?
JHB: I’m pretty sure it was a Wednesday, and I was proofing pages for that week’s edition. Sam Martin, publisher and president of The Birmingham Times, called me and I assumed it was to tell me something about the issue I was proofing or ask me something about the cover story I was writing for an upcoming issue.
Instead, he told me Barnett Wright, my mentor and longtime executive editor of The Birmingham Times, was leaving the paper.
I was about to start crying, but then Sam asked, “Would you be interested in being my new editor?”
I couldn’t believe it.
What’s crazy is that a few months earlier I’d dreamed I became the editor of the paper, but I didn’t think in a million years it would actually happen. It definitely wasn’t on my bingo card for 2026.
Q: Tell us about your journalism journey and the experiences that prepared you for this opportunity.
JHB: I’ve told several friends that I feel like everything I’ve done in my professional life has led me to this moment.
After college and graduate school, I worked at a weekly newspaper in Louisville, Kentucky. The format of that paper — with cover stories and regular features—was very similar to what The Birmingham Times became after its rebrand in 2016.
In 2009, I moved back to Birmingham to teach English at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. I knew I wanted to continue writing, so I started freelancing. I also wanted a writing community, so I started See Jane Write, a website and community for women writers.
In 2019, I left the classroom to freelance full time. Because of those experiences, I can write about pretty much anything. During that time, I also edited a weekly column for AL.com’s Reckon platform.
That experience, along with being a writing coach through See Jane Write and even my 10 years as an English teacher, prepared me to become a newsroom leader. I use all I learned in those roles as I work with The Birmingham Times staff and freelancers.
Q: Tell readers a little about yourself.
JHB: I’m from Birmingham. We moved around the city a lot. I lived in Ensley, College Hills, Titusville and North Birmingham.
I attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts before earning degrees from the University of Alabama — Roll Tide! — and the University of California, Berkeley.
I’ve been part of Birmingham’s journalism community since I began freelancing regularly in the 2010s.
Q: Has there been a moment you’re most proud of during your career?
JHB: I have some awards on my wall that make me smile, but honestly what makes me the proudest isn’t my own achievements.
It’s the accomplishments of women I’ve been able to help through See Jane Write — especially the women I’ve helped start journalism careers of their own.
Q: How has Birmingham shaped your career?
JHB: Birmingham taught me how to build community, and that has served me in every step of my professional journey.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Birmingham?
JHB: Birmingham has so many of the things I love about bigger cities — a great food scene, a great arts community and great parks — but without the hassle.
Q: Every editor brings a unique perspective. What’s the vision you hope to bring to The Birmingham Times?
JHB: The Birmingham Times went through a rebrand 10 years ago to become the paper we know today. My focus is on what the Times can become during the next 10 years. How can we continue the greatness of our print product while also elevating our online and social media presence?
Q: How do you balance honoring the newspaper’s legacy while embracing innovation?
JHB: As we try new things, we must never lose sight of our mission. We want to highlight the best of Birmingham while also keeping the community informed through fair and accurate reporting and by giving people practical news they can use to better their lives.
Q: Birmingham has such a rich history. How do you envision the newspaper continuing to tell those stories?
JHB: Being the editor of this paper at such a time as this feels particularly special and humbling.
With our country as divided as it is right now and with all the threats to voting rights, it’s more important than ever to help amplify marginalized voices.
Q: Five years from now, how do you hope readers will describe The Birmingham Times?
JHB: Innovative, informative, inspiring.
Q: How do you define impactful journalism?
JHB: Journalism that is fair, accurate and informative—and that motivates people to act.
Q: What stories deserve more attention in Birmingham and across Alabama?
JHB: We need more stories about the people who are working to make the Magic City and Alabama the Beautiful live up to their nicknames.
More specifically, I’m interested in telling the stories of people who are showing up in spaces where they’ve traditionally been excluded and making room for others.
Q: What responsibility does Black-owned media have today?
JHB: To amplify marginalized voices and to show the diversity of the Black community.
We are not a monolith. We contain multitudes.
Q: How can local journalism strengthen communities and inspire civic engagement?
JHB: We do that by keeping people informed about the issues at hand, explaining what’s at stake and what they can do about it.
Q: How do you see digital storytelling shaping the future of The Birmingham Times?
JHB: I’m looking forward to using video to highlight all the exciting things happening in Birmingham and the people behind them, while also explaining important issues and how they impact our community.
I’m excited about developing a new social media strategy, and I eventually want to start hosting events.
Stories should start a conversation.
Readers can also expect to see a couple of new columns, new social media content and a newsletter in the coming months.
Q: What qualities do you value most in journalists?
JHB: Curiosity and a commitment to excellence.
Q: What’s your creative process like?
JHB: When I write, I outline my stories with Post-it notes.
My creative process also requires a lot of snacks.
Q: Who have been some of your biggest influences?
JHB: At the University of Alabama: Edward Mullins, Carolyn Magner Mason and Meredith Cummings.
At the Courier-Journal: Mervin Aubespin.
In Birmingham: Barnett Wright.
Q: What motivates you on the days journalism feels especially challenging?
JHB: I truly believe in the power of storytelling.
I believe it can change lives—and maybe even the world.
Q: What message would you like to leave readers as you begin this chapter?
JHB: I have big, bold dreams for The Birmingham Times, but I can’t make them come true alone. I need the support of the community.
If you believe in journalism, support our work.
When Barnett announced he was leaving, so many people assumed The Birmingham Times was closing.
We’re not going anywhere.
Journalism is not dead. Traditional media still matters.
That said, if you’re not growing, you’re dying. We will only thrive if we’re willing to try new things.
The Birmingham Times is up for the challenge.
Follow Javacia’s journey as the new editor of the Birmingham Times on Instagram @seejavaciawrite.
