Kelila Ritchie

Kelila has dedicated her teenage years to advocating for injustices around her and in the world. Journalism is more than just a passion for her but a calling. She is dedicated to keeping her community informed and spreading awareness about social inequalities. Catch her on the beach any given weekend!

The Effects of Redlining and Food Deserts in Jacksonville

Kelila Ritchie

December 22, 2023

Community·Downtown·Education·Feature

Words by Kelila Ritchie In a city where Whole Foods, Publix and Fresh Market can amicably exist within a three-mile radius from each other; just on the other side of a connecting bridge, an entire community struggles to make ends meet daily. This is the situation in District 7. One of the largest districts in Jacksonville and arguably,

Community·Editorial Opinion·Education·Feature·LGBTQIA·Riverside

Welcome to the Gayborhood

Words by Kelila Ritchie Rainbows, loud music, infectious laughter, dance parties in the middle of the street. River City Pride is the place to be every October. It’s something I personally look forward to every single year. People from so many different walks of life, dancing together, drinking together,

Raising the Bar: Hardwicks

Words by Kelila Ritchie “Refreshing, welcoming and different.” These are

Inner Peace Guide for Dummies

Words by Kelila Ritchie Being human in 2023 has proven itself

Neighborhood Picasso

February 1, 2024

ART·Editorial Opinion·Feature

Words by Kelila Ritchie Chris Clark has been painting his way through the neighborhoods of Jacksonville, bringing the most vibrant colors to communities people often deem the opposite of aesthetically pleasing. Clark is not new to the art community and has spent many years perfecting his craft. A “jack of

“Renaissance: The Film”

December 29, 2023

Editorial Opinion·Feature·Movie Reviews·Movies·On Screen

Words by Kelila Ritchie “Renaissance.” The word we keep seeing, thanks to Beyoncé. The tour that single handedly brought silver and chrome back to life. The album that gave birth to a completely different understanding of what love and unity could look like. This was an album created

Food Review: Norikase

December 29, 2023

Editorial Opinion·Feature·Food + Drink·LocalLy Ownded

Words by Kelila Ritchie Nestled in a little corner beside Tinseltown, Norikase creates an entirely different world from the one outside its doors from the food options to the ambiance. The decor of the restaurant resembles a speakeasy of sorts. It is very modern, very classy and the

Ally Shawver: Big City, Bigger Dreams

November 30, 2023

Movies·On Screen·TV

Kelila Ritchie As a Jacksonville native, it is always really cool to see people who come from the same city as you doing something amazing. That “amazing” can be people who serve as neighborhood heroes or people who are simply following their dreams. This is the case for

Debunking Fake News

November 16, 2023

Feature

Words by Kelila Ritchie I don’t know if it’s the journalist in me or if it’s just me in general, but I absolutely cannot stand the idea of everyone mistaking misinformation or blatant disinformation as fact and running with it. Honestly, it’s become increasingly difficult for me to be

The Candy Mansion

November 1, 2023

Feature

Words by Kelila Ritchie Fall is by far my favorite time of year for so many reasons. The cinnamon brooms I keep in the nooks of my home, the cool breeze that might call for a light jacket and the openings of local Spirit Halloweens. It keeps me going

The Talk

October 23, 2023

Education·Feature

Words by Kelila Ritchie October Is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Do you know fact from fiction? As a woman, there are certain things you just can’t do or, rather, you don’t feel comfortable doing like going on a run at night out of fear of being kidnapped and sold