She might be the longest-tenured media professional in the Detroit Documenters community, but Lavonia Perryman shows no signs of slowing down.
“If I had an opportunity to do Documenters 20, 30 or 40 years ago, I would’ve signed up then,” she said.
Lavonia’s career in media began as a young girl, calling into local radio stations to talk about events that teens were interested in.
She went on to host “American Black Journal,” had her own radio show and worked in public relations.
A friend recommended she check out Detroit Documenters as a way to stay connected to her community. A year later, Lavonia said, the experience has delivered.
“It provides me an opportunity to stay connected to information and situations here in the city of Detroit,” she said.
Lavonia has documented a handful of meetings, but City Council and school board meetings are her favorites. “I enjoy City Council because it covers the entire city in many areas of work,” from budgeting to education and public safety.
School board meetings are dear to her heart because Lavonia is a college lecturer, and both her parents worked in education.
“Even though they’re long meetings, they do provide information that is necessary for the community.”
Whether you need information or want to provide it to your community, Lavonia said Documenters is the best place to start.
“Not only are you involved in terms of information, but also sharing information,” Lavonia said, which she believes is especially important. “This is one of the better places to be if you want to stay connected to your community.”
She also sees assignments as a valuable learning experience for anyone interested in media and communications.
“You get to learn from editors and producers about what to do, what not to do and how to do it,” she said. “You can’t beat that.”
Lavonia’s advice to fellow Documenters: “Do the best that you can. It will provide you an opportunity and a base for being able to read people, read communities and provide some of the best stories you could ever provide as a journalist.”
Keep reading to learn more about Lavonia and ways you can connect with her.
Name:
Lavonia Perryman
Location:
Detroit
What I do:
I am a journalist and a college lecturer. I enjoy reading history and mystery books. For years, as a hobby, I have dabbled in fashion. And I attend basketball and football (games) every season.
What I love about it:
I get to meet interesting people. I get to share ideas.
One thing I want to get from the Documenters community:
So far, I can stay abreast of current events and community activities. Documenters can join me in a discussion or two during a podcast.
What is something people might not know about you?
I am the first female inducted into the American Basketball Hall of Fame. I played four years at St. Cecilia High School. I was captain for three years, then I was hired to coach after graduation. In addition, while in college, I opened up the first girls’ basketball camp in Detroit. After graduating from college and landing a full-time news job at a local radio station, the Detroit Pistons’ basketball team was part of my beat.
How you can reach me:
I am on Facebook and Instagram.
