Alexander Banks has joined the Statesman Journal newsroom for a 10-week, general-assignment reporting internship through the AAJA-SPJ Emerging Northwest Journalists Internship program, sponsored by the Portland chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association and the Oregon chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
This partnership is intended to provide opportunities for members of racial and ethnic minority groups that are underrepresented in Pacific Northwest newsrooms.
Banks grew up in Portland, attended Portland Community College and graduated in June from Oregon State University with a degree in creative writing and a minor in journalism.
Before joining the Statesman Journal staff, Banks was an intern during the summer for the Charles Snowden Program for Excellence in Journalism , reporting for EO Media at the Baker City Herald .
Banks said he was encouraged by Oregonian Business Editor Elliott Njus, who is treasurer for AAJA in Portland, to apply for the AAJA-SPJ internship.