Linking the Malawian Diaspora to the Development of Malawi”
Malawi
Malawi (/məˈlɔːwi,məˈlɑːwi/; Chichewa pronunciation:[maláβi]; Tumbuka: Malaŵi), officially the Republic of Malawi and formerly known as Nyasaland, is a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa. It is bordered by Zambia to the west, Tanzania to the north and northeast, and Mozambique to the east, south and southwest. Malawi spans over 118,484 km2 (45,747 sq mi) and has an estimated population of 19,431,566 (as of January 2021). Malawi’s capital and largest city is Lilongwe. Its second-largest is Blantyre, its third-largest is Mzuzu and its fourth-largest is its former capital, Zomba.
Published on October 13, 2025 at 8:30 AM by Evance Kapito
African American singer Akon’s wife, Tomeka Thiam, is reportedly seeking €100 million (about US$108 million) as part of their divorce settlement after 29 years of marriage.
Tomeka claims she deserves the money as compensation for the support she provided throughout Akon’s career, saying she played a significant role in helping him build his wealth and success.
However, the court handling the case has so far only found about US$10,000 in Akon’s accounts. Reports suggest that most of the artist’s wealth may be registered under his mother’s name.
The revelation has sparked debate on social media, with some people accusing Akon of deliberately transferring ownership of his assets to avoid paying the settlement, while others argue that the singer may indeed be facing financial difficulties.
Resisting Ice in Downtown Chicago (Pic: Wikimedia commons)
Sara Paretsky is the award-winning author of the hugely popular VI Warshawski novels. Sara spoke to Judy Cox about militarisation and the threat to democracy in Donald Trump’s America.
SW: What have you been seeing in Chicago?
I live in the South Side of Chicago, which means something specific in terms of race and class. It’s a more upmarket area, and it is very racially mixed. There is an Afro-American community and now there is a significant Hispanic population, mainly Mexicans.
The North Side is mainly populated by white Europeans.
I go to events to look out for Ice activities. I live near the Museum of Mexican Art, which was set up by women in the community. I go there to check for Ice, but they have not targeted it yet.
They are targeting ordinary people. A few days ago, they targeted an apartment near where I live with tear gas and pepper balls. They ripped the building apart and wrenched babies from their mothers’ arms and handcuffed them. They were left naked in the streets for hours.
They are reprising what happened in the 1930s in Germany and in Spain.
We hear Black Hawk helicopters circling overhead. It is not Syria—they are not dropping bombs—it is all about intimidation.
The administration has banned the use of civilian drones because they were being used to track Ice activity.
SW: Why do you think this militarisation is happening now?
We are thinking that the goal is the militarisation of the city so free elections can’t be held next year. They know the Maga Republicans would be voted out.
Donald Trump has dementia. It is Russell Vought who is the policy setter. Vought wrote Project 2025 and he runs the Heritage Foundation. In the summer before the election, Vought recruited 4-5,000 volunteers.
As soon as Trump was inaugurated, Vought had all the executive orders ready to sign. And these thousands of volunteers were ready to comb through the websites of organisations and end federal funding for any that used the language of diversity, equity and inclusion.
That’s things like food programmes and programmes for low income children. I have a friend who runs a programme aimed at cutting infant mortality. She erased 400 words from the organisation’s website to protect its funding.
Another friend runs a programme researching uterine thyroids. She has to write an application without mentioning the word “women”.
Another friend who is a biomedical researcher had her funding threatened because she had too many women on her team.
America was never perfect. But we had people trying to expand the concept of social justice and welfare. It is a great grief to see what is happening now, how things like medical research are being gutted.
The vaccination programme in Sudan has been cut. A friend who runs a programme for children with cancer in Malawi is facing draconian cuts.
SW: The proceeds from your latest book are going to reproductive rights campaigns
Reproductive rights vary from state to state. My state, Illinois, has one of the best provisions for abortion and women’s health care because the two go together.
Our governor, JB Pritzker, is pro-choice and supports fundraising for abortion groups.
About 40 percent of the women having abortions here come from out of state because Illinois is near the southern states which have the most restrictions on abortions.
Women are arriving here not just for abortions but with serious health problems, things like ectopic pregnancies that they can’t get treated where they live.
Hospitals are charging women $17,000 to save their lives, so we are fundraising to help women with that.
SW: Are there other ways we can resist the attacks?
I joined a rapid resistance unit. More and more people are joining in Chicago and across the country. Because more and more people are seeing the danger we are in and the damage being done.
What we are seeing is shocking. I am named after two of my grandmothers who died in the Shoah. I think about what they went through, being dragged from their beds, being marched away—and it is happening right here and right now to my neighbours.
I don’t expect the regime to care, any more than Joseph Goebbels cared. I am the third generation since my grandmothers’ time. Trauma lingers through the generations.
It is not enough to write about what is happening—we have to be in the streets and we have to protect people.
The writer Rebecca Solnit said no football coach goes into the dressing room before a game and says, “look, we’re going to lose but we have to play anyway.”
I have to believe we will prevail. I hope it will be in my lifetime, but anyway, I hope that what I do helps make that possible.
Dr. John E. Fleming, a distinguished museum leader, historian, husband, father and mentor to many in the museum profession, passed away on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. He was 81 years old. He had lived in Yellow Springs for 35 years. Dr. Fleming was well known as a pre-eminent scholar, academician and author whose life’s work was the preservation and interpretation of African American history and culture.
His career was firmly rooted in the historic black community as he came of age. A native of Morganton, North Carolina, he received his bachelor’s degree from Berea College and in the 1960s served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Malawi, East Africa, where he was assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture. After his return to the United States, he worked for Pride Inc. under Marion Barry and as a program analyst for the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.
Dr. Fleming went on to pursue advanced degrees, earning both a master’s degree and a doctorate in American history from Howard University in Washington, D.C. While serving as a Senior Fellow at Howard’s Institute for the Study of Educational Policy, he wrote two books on African American education: “The Lengthening Shadow of Slavery” and “The Case for Affirmative Action for Blacks in Higher Education.”
Dr. Fleming’s museum career began in 1980 when he joined the Ohio Historical Society as the Afro-American Museum project director. He was the founding director of the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce, Ohio, and later became the director and chief operating officer for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Over the course of his career, he was directly involved in the development of six museums, including the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina; the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, Mississippi; and the National Museum of African American Music, in Nashville, Tennessee, where he served as immediate past director. He also served as director emeritus of the Cincinnati Museum Center and as an adjunct professor in the department of history at the University of Cincinnati.
His leadership extended across several respected historical and cultural organizations. He was president of the Ohio Museums Association, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and the Association of African American Museums. He was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on the commission for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. He was the immediate past chair of the board for the American Association for State and Local History and was recently appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to the Ohio Semiquincentennial Commission. Locally, he was an active member of the YS Men’s Association.
Dr. Fleming was also a prolific writer and scholar: He was author of five books and 50 articles throughout his career. In addition to his scholarly works, he published two memoirs: “A Summer Remembered,” about his childhood in North Carolina, and “Mission to Malawi,” about his time in the Peace Corps.
He was a recipient of numerous accolades, including distinguished service awards from the Association of African American Museums, the American Association for State and Local History, the National Peace Corps, Berea College, the Ohio Library Association, and the National Peace Corps. In his honor, the Association of African American Museums named its highest honor the John E. Fleming Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2020, he was named one of the Top Ten African Americans in Dayton, Ohio.
But Dr. Fleming was proudest of the time that he devoted to his family and community. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, a psychologist and writer, of Yellow Springs; and his two daughters, one a lawyer and the other a museum professional who followed in her father’s footsteps as a curator of American art. Dr. Fleming is also survived by two grandsons, a brother, a sister and numerous relatives.
He was a former board member and volunteer for the St. Vincent de Paul Homeless shelter in Dayton. And he was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Sigma Pi Phi, known as the Boule.
Dr. Fleming’s family plans to hold a memorial service in his honor at the National Afro American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce, Ohio. The date and time of the memorial will be posted online and in the Yellow Springs News.
Vision correction through spectacle wear represents a critical healthcare intervention globally, with uncorrected refractive error remaining one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide.1 While advancements in optical lens technology have significantly improved vision correction capabilities, delivering these benefits ultimately depends on proper spectacle fit. Ill-fitting frames cause physical discomfort and can lead to optical misalignment, reduced compliance, and persistent visual impairment.2–4
The global eyewear market continues to expand and is projected to reach USD 178.95 billion by 2026.5 However, this growth has not been accompanied by equivalent advances in frame designs that accommodate global populations’ anthropometric diversity. Particularly in Africa, where over 1.3 billion people represent tremendous genetic and phenotypic diversity, the availability of properly fitting eyewear remains a significant challenge.1,6,7
Historical and contemporary eyewear design has predominantly been informed by European and, more recently, East Asian anthropometric measurements.3 These standards often fail to accommodate the distinct facial features common across various African populations, including differences in nasal bridge height, interpupillary distance, facial width, and orbital structure.8,9 The result is a substantial disparity in eyewear fit for many African consumers, contributing to discomfort, dissatisfaction, and reduced adherence to the prescribed vision correction.3
The implications of this design mismatch extend beyond mere comfort, affecting clinical outcomes, social acceptance of eyewear, and market accessibility. As vision care programs expand across Africa, addressing this fundamental challenge of appropriate frame design becomes increasingly important for sustainable eye health interventions.10
This narrative review aims to synthesize existing literature on African facial anthropometry related to spectacle frame design, explore current challenges in eyewear fit for African populations, and identify emerging solutions and opportunities in this field. By bridging knowledge from anthropometry, optical design, materials science, and cultural considerations, this review seeks to contribute to developing more inclusive and appropriate eyewear solutions for African consumers.
Methodology
This study employed a narrative review approach to synthesize existing literature on African facial anthropometry and its implications for spectacle frame design. A comprehensive search was conducted using academic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and EBSCOHost. Keywords used in the search included “African facial anthropometry”, “spectacle frame design”, “eyewear fit”, “craniofacial dimensions”, “spectacle frame design”, and “ethnic variations in eyewear.”
Inclusion criteria comprised peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and industry reports providing insight into the anthropometric characteristics of African populations and their relevance to eyewear design. Studies published between 2000 and 2025 were prioritised to ensure contemporary relevance, though seminal older works were included where appropriate. Studies focusing exclusively on Eurocentric and Asian facial models without comparative analysis were excluded.
The literature retrieved was reviewed for key themes, including nasal bridge structure, facial width, temple length, head shape, and cheekbone prominence. Additionally, studies on material innovations, technological advancements, and localised eyewear production were considered to explore solutions for improving spectacle frame fit for African users.
Data were analyzed qualitatively to identify trends, challenges, and future research and product development implications. This methodological approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter while highlighting the gaps in the existing literature that warrant further investigation.
Anthropometric Considerations in Spectacle Frame Design
Critical Facial Measurements for Eyewear Fit
The proper fit of spectacle frames depends on several key facial measurements that determine how frames sit on the face and align with the eyes. These critical measurements include:
Interpupillary Distance (IPD)
The distance between the pupil centres affects lens centration and the optical performance of spectacles. Research has demonstrated significant variations in IPD across different populations, with implications for frame bridge width requirements.8,11,12
Nasal Root Height and Width
The height and width of the nasal root directly impact how frames sit on the face. A lower nasal bridge height may cause frames to slide down, while width variations affect pressure distribution and stability.13
Bitragal Width
This measurement across the face at the ear level influences the required frame width and temple length. Frames that are too narrow or wide relative to this measurement cause discomfort through excessive pressure or instability.14
Frontozygomatic Distance
The distance between the outer corners of the eye orbits affects frame front size and lens positioning. This measurement varies significantly across populations and may impact peripheral vision through spectacle frames.15–17
Head Circumference
This measurement influences temple length requirements and overall frame stability. Variations in head circumference affect the tension required for frames to remain secure without causing discomfort.11,15
Vertex Distance
The distance from the corneal apex to the back surface of the spectacle lens affects optical performance, particularly for higher prescriptions. Anthropometric variations influencing this distance have direct clinical implications.18
These measurements form the foundation for ergonomic frame design, with deviations from the intended fit potentially causing both physical discomfort and optical performance issues. Studies by Naude and Campbell,3 Halladay et al,11 Rosyidi et al.,15 and Tian and Ball19 have demonstrated that even small discrepancies between facial anthropometry and frame dimensions can significantly impact the wearers’ comfort and compliance.
The following diagram depicts anthropometric measurements that may be relevant to spectacle frame design (Figure 1):
Figure 1 Facial anthropometric measurements relevant to spectacle frame design (designed by authors). (a) Inner-intercanthal distance. (b) Outer-intercanthal distance. (c) Nose width. (d) Face width. (e) Head width. (f) Frontal angle. (g) Temple length. (h) interpupillary distance. (i) crest angle.
African Facial Anthropometry: Key Findings
Research on African facial anthropometry has revealed distinct patterns that differentiate these populations from European and Asian groups for whom most spectacle frames are designed. While acknowledging the tremendous diversity within the African continent, several commonalities have been identified that have particular relevance to eyewear design:
Nasal Bridge Characteristics
The nasal bridge represents one of spectacle fit’s most critical anatomical features. Research has consistently demonstrated significant variation in nasal bridge dimensions across different African populations. Farkas et al20 conducted comprehensive anthropometric studies across multiple ethnic groups and found that individuals of African descent typically present with wider and flatter nasal bridges compared to Caucasian populations.
Interpupillary Distance
Pivnick documented that African populations generally exhibit wider interpupillary distances compared to European counterparts.21 Their research indicated a mean IPD of approximately 66.1 mm in adult African males compared to or mm in European males. Whilst in more recent studies, Halladay et al11 noted that Malawi children could wear eyewear designed for the Chinese population. This further highlights the variation in interracial facial anthropometric measurements. A study by Butler et al,22 noted that the mean IPD was significantly greater than international standards used in mass-produced eyewear, suggesting potential issues with optical centration in standard spectacle frames. Modrolu et al23 and Moodley et al2 emphasised that improper alignment of optical centres, often resulting from inappropriate IPD consideration in eyewear design, can induce prismatic effects, causing visual discomfort and adaptation issues.
Facial Width Measurements
Oladipo et al16 conducted anthropometric studies in Nigeria and found that bizygomatic width (the maximum distance between the most lateral points of the zygomatic arches) was significantly greater in their study population compared to Caucasian reference standards. In another comparative study of facial dimensions across multiple ethnicities, they noted that African populations typically exhibited greater facial width-to-height ratios than Asian and European populations.9 This finding has significant implications for temple length and frame front dimensions in eyewear design.
Bitemporal Proportions
Ofodile and Bhokari24 documented greater bitemporal widths in African populations than European reference standards. Their work suggested that standard eyewear frames often provide insufficient temple coverage for individuals of African descent. Naude and Campbell3 highlighted that ill-fitting temple dimensions represent one of the most common complaints among African eyewear consumers, with many reporting discomforts due to excessive temple pressure or insufficient temple length.
Orbital Structure
Barretto and Mathog25 observed that African populations typically present with larger orbital apertures and more slightly rectangular orbital shapes compared to the more circular orbits common in European populations. Jilani et al26 documented greater orbital heights in African populations compared to Asian populations, while orbital widths were comparable. These findings suggest the need for different approaches to lens shape and frame design to appropriately accommodate these variations.
These anthropometric differences have substantial implications for spectacle fit. Conventional frames, which are typically designed based on European facial structures often create fitting challenges for African wearers. Common issues include frames slipping down the nose due to lower nasal bridge height, bridge pinching or visible gaps resulting from broader nasal structures, and temple discomfort or looseness caused by variations in head circumference. Additionally, differences in IPD can lead to optical misalignment, while variations in orbital and cheekbone structure may result in frame front instability or localized pressure points, ultimately compromising both comfort and visual performance.
Regional Variations Within Africa
While certain anthropometric patterns appear common across African populations, significant regional variations exist that further complicate spectacle frame design. The continent’s tremendous genetic diversity manifests in measurable craniofacial differences between populations:
Southern Africa
Black South African women exhibit wider nasal widths, averaging 40.4 mm in a study conducted by Wilson et al9 and greater nasal tip projection compared to the Congolese and African American populations. Their facial height proportions also diverge from neoclassical norms, with shorter upper facial thirds relative to mid and lower thirds.9 Among Zimbabwean rural populations, studies show narrower interpupillary distances of 60.7 mm in males and 59.5 mm in females but larger bitemporal width of 147.7 mm in males and 141.3 mm in females compared to Asian and Caucasian populations.27 These metrics conflict with standard frame designs, leading to discomfort and poor fit.
Eastern Africa
Studies have shown that Kenyan and Sudanese populations exhibit distinct midface-to-lower face ratios compared to Southern African groups, necessitating adjustments in frame curvature and lens positioning.9
West Africa
Schoolchildren in Enugu, Nigeria, prioritize frame aesthetics, favouring oval shapes 47.2% and metallic colours 29.5%, with rural children more likely to choose thicker frames.28 These preferences intersect with anthropometric needs, such as broader head widths observed in Ghanaian studies.29 West African populations generally have shorter front-to-bend measurements than Southern African groups, possibly influencing the sidepiece design.
North Africa
Limited published data exists, but proximity to Mediterranean and Middle Eastern populations suggests narrower nasal bridges and smaller head widths compared to sub-Saharan regions. Urban centres like Cairo may exhibit hybrid features due to migration, though rural areas likely retain more homogeneous traits.
The following Table 1 is a summary of key facial anthropometric measurements relevant to spectacle frame design – specifically, nasal width, nasal bridge height, intercanthal width, facial width, and temple length, across African, European, and Asian populations. These values are means or typical ranges reported in relevant literature.
Table 1 A Summary of Key Facial Anthropometric Measurements Relevant to Spectacle Frame Design
Urban vs Rural Dynamics in Eyewear Fit and Access
The dynamics of spectacle frame access, use, and fit vary significantly between urban and rural settings, influenced by differences in infrastructure, cultural perceptions, and facial anthropometry.
Access and Infrastructure
Urban areas host optical chains and private optometry practices offering a wide selection of spectacle frames, including modern, customizable options. These environments often support onsite adjustments and professional fittings. In contract, rural regions are more reliant on sporadic outreach services or informal vendors who supply generic, often ill-fitting frames.34 For example, in rural Zimbabwe, 54.2% of vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive error is exacerbated by limited access to eyecare services and appropriate spectacle correction.27,35
Cultural Perceptions
Cultural attitudes toward spectacles differ between urban and rural populations. Urban youth tend to view eyewear as both a vision aid and a fashion accessory, often favouring lightweight, trendy, and expressive frame styles.28,34 In contrast, many rural populations perceive spectacles primarily as medical devices, which contributes to lower adoption rates and poor compliance. Negative beliefs or stigma surrounding spectacle wear—especially for children—persist in some rural areas, where they may be associated with illness, disability, or age.34 These perceptions can undermine public health efforts to improve visual outcomes through corrective eyewear.
Anthropometric Variability
Urbanisation and migration patterns have led to increased diversity in facial features within city populations, resulting in a wider range of anthropometric measurements. This necessitates the availability of adjustable or customisable frame designs to accommodate the heterogeneity in facial dimensions. Conversely, rural populations often exhibit more homogenous anthropometric profiles, which theoretically allows for targeted frame designs. However, these communities typically lack access to frames tailored to their specific facial dimensions. Generic imported frames—usually based on European or East Asian facial standards—fail to align with the broader nasal widths, flatter nasal bridges, and wider interpupillary distances more common in African rural populations.34
This analysis underscores the need for location-specific approaches in spectacle frame design, distribution, and promotion. Addressing rural-urban disparities requires not only improved infrastructure and access but also culturally sensitive, anthropometrically appropriate eyewear solutions that promote comfort, compliance, and visual health equity.
Current Challenges in Spectacle Frame Design in African Populations
Commercial Availability and Market Gaps
The global eyewear industry has historically underserved African markets with appropriately designed frames. Several factors contribute to this persistent gap:
Dominance of Eurocentric Design Standards
Globally, the spectacle frame industry continues to be dominated by Eurocentric anthropometric norms. Over 80% of eyewear designs are based on European and North American facial measurements,3 resulting in widespread fit mismatches for many African consumers. This legacy of Eurocentric design undermines comfort, stability, and visual performance in African populations, whose craniofacial dimensions often differ significantly.
Limited Market Research
Major eyewear manufacturers have historically invested minimal resources in understanding African consumer needs. Unlike the Asian market—where extensive anthropometric research has led to tailored frame designs—African populations remain underrepresented in global design strategies. Naude and Campbell3 highlight that African-specific research and development are scarce, with limited local data informing global product lines.
Supply Chain Challenges
The distribution of eyewear in many African markets faces significant logistical hurdles. Key issues include poor transportation infrastructure:
Transportation Infrastructure Limitations: Poor road conditions, long lead times due to border delays, and security concerns (including theft during transit) severely impact the timely and safe delivery of eyewear products. Studies in South Africa highlight how defective roads cause damage to transport fleets and products, while border congestion and customs delays further extend delivery times, increasing costs and risks.36 Additionally, congestion in urban centres can cause delays of days, complicating distribution planning.
Impact on Manufacturers: These logistical challenges disincentivise major eyewear manufacturers from investing in Africa-specific product lines because the cost and complexity of distribution reduce profitability and market predictability.36,37
Price Sensitivity
African markets are highly price-sensitive, which creates tension between the need for specialised, culturally appropriate eyewear designs and affordability:
Willingness to Pay: Research indicates that low- and middle-income consumers in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), including many African markets, are willing to pay no more than about 10% of their monthly income for spectacle, often equating to just a few dollars (eg, around $3.80). This price sensitivity is driven by limited disposable income and competing priorities.
Premium Pricing for Specialised Designs: Spectacle frames designed specifically for African facial features tend to command premium prices, which limits accessibility for the majority of consumers. The high cost is often due to smaller production volumes, import costs, and a lack of local manufacturing capacity. This premium pricing conflicts with the affordability needs of the market.
Fragmented Retail Environments
The optical retail landscape in Africa is highly fragmented, ranging from sophisticated urban optical shops to basic rural dispensing services:
Diverse Retail Formats: While urban centres may have modern optical shops, the majority of eyewear sales occur through informal or small-scale outlets such as mom-and-pop shops, kiosks, or rural clinics. This fragmentation complicates distribution and market penetration for specialized frame designs.
Distribution Challenges: Serving a widely dispersed and fragmented retail base is costly and logistically complex. Small retail outlets often have limited cash flow and storage capacity, requiring intermediaries to break bulk and adding layers to the supply chain.
Supply Chain Visibility and Technology: Limited visibility across the supply chain and the high cost of technology solutions hinder efficient distribution. Companies often rely on third-party logistics providers (3PLs) familiar with local customs and regulations, but last-mile delivery remains a challenge.
Market Entry Barriers: The fragmentation and diversity of retail environments create significant barriers for new entrants and specialised product lines, requiring tailored distribution strategies and local partnerships.
Clinical Implications of Poor Frame Fit
The mismatch between available frame designs and African facial anthropometry creates several clinical challenges with direct impact on vision care outcomes:
Optical Misalignment
When frames do not properly align with the face, the optical centres of lenses may be displaced from the pupillary axis. Research by Moodley et al2 demonstrated that a majority of the participants were found not to be looking through the optical centres of their lenses, compromising corrective outcomes.
Reduced Compliance
Discomfort from poorly fitting frames directly impacts wearer compliance.2,38 Omolase and Mahmoud39 found that among Nigerian patients prescribed spectacles, 28% of the participants reported non-compliance due to ill-fitting frames.
Vertex Distance Variations
Misfit frames—particularly those with poorly aligned nose bridges or temples—alter the vertex distance unpredictably. This is especially problematic for higher prescriptions, where optical performance is sensitive to this variable.18
Limited Options for Speciality Needs
Specific clinical needs, such as frames for children, sports eyewear, safety glasses, and low vision devices, are particularly underserved. Kumaran and Periakaruppan40 expressed that in a majority of cases, spectacle frames for children are a reduced version of adult frames, lacking consideration for paediatric craniofacial dimensions and activity levels.
These clinical implications extend beyond mere discomfort, directly affecting the efficacy of vision correction and potentially compromising clinical outcomes in vision care programs.
Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting Eyewear Adoption
Beyond technical and clinical considerations, several socio-cultural factors influence eyewear adoption and preferences in African contexts:
Aesthetic Preferences
Cultural aesthetics and beauty standards influence frame style preferences. Research by Naude and Campbell3 indicated that frame designs popular in Western markets often failed to align with local aesthetic preferences in multiple African countries, adding another dimension to design considerations beyond anatomical fit.
Stigma and Social Perception
In some communities, eyewear continues to carry social stigma or specific associations. In certain communities, spectacle wear was associated with ageing or disability, creating social barriers to adoption that compound technical fit issues.41,42
Gender Considerations
Gender roles and expectations influence eyewear preferences and adoption patterns. Research has found significant gender differences in frame style preferences and comfort priorities, with women more frequently reporting concerns about aesthetic impact and men more frequently prioritising durability.41,43
Traditional Healing Perspectives
In communities where traditional healing practices remain prominent, the adoption of corrective eyewear may interact with existing health belief systems. Understanding these interactions is essential for culturally appropriate design and distribution approaches.44,45
Climate Adaptations
Environmental factors including heat, humidity, and dust affect frame performance requirements. Some spectacle frame materials performing well in temperate climates may fail prematurely in tropical African environments, necessitating different material selection priorities.46
Addressing these socio-cultural dimensions alongside technical fit considerations represents a critical challenge for improving spectacle frame design for African consumers. Naude and Campbell3 argue that these considerations should not be treated as peripheral but as foundational to creating equitable and contextually appropriate eyewear solutions.
Innovations and Solutions
Anthropometric Research and Databases
Recent efforts to address the gap in African anthropometric data include:
Digital Anthropometric Mapping
The use of 3D scanning technologies has significantly enhanced the precision and scale of facial anthropometry studies. Adekunle et al47 determined normative facial anthropometry measurement among 452 Nigerians using a 3D stereophotogrammetry analysis, which showed that there was a significant difference in the facial dimensions of males compared to females across all age groups included in the study.
Mobile Measurement Technologies
Innovations in smartphone-based anthropometric measurement tools show promise for expanding data collection capacity. Hartmann et al48 validated a smartphone application capable of measuring key facial dimensions with accuracy comparable to traditional anthropometric tools, potentially enabling wider-scale data collection.
These research initiatives provide essential foundations for improved frame design, though significant gaps remain, particularly regarding systematic data collection across diverse African populations and age groups.
Frame Design Adaptations
Several design approaches have emerged to better accommodate African facial anthropometry:
Adjustable Bridge Systems
Innovative bridge designs including articulated, adjustable, and floating bridge systems allow for customization to different nasal bridge heights and widths. Thermoplastic materials like cellulose acetate allow heat-adjustable bridges to accommodate wider nasal measurements common in sub-Saharan populations.46
Modified Pad Arms and Positioning
Specialized pad arm geometries and positioning accommodate lower nasal bridge heights while maintaining frame stability. Replace traditional rigid pads with flexible silicone versions that conform to diverse nasal bridge heights and widths, reducing pressure points.49
Temple Design Modifications
Temples with adjusted length-to-curve ratios better accommodate head circumference variations. African populations show wider head widths, for example, Zimbabwean and Ghanaian males, when compared to their Asian averages of 136–140 mm, requiring temples up to 150 mm with graduated curvature.11,27 The use of cable temples is also recommended; the curved riding bow designs prevent slippage in active wearers, particularly beneficial for rural populations engaged in physical labour.49
Frame Front Curvature Adaptations
Modified frame front curvatures better accommodate wider facial measurements.
Weight Distribution Engineering
Innovative approaches to frame weight distribution compensate for lower nasal bridge support.
These design adaptations demonstrate potential for improving frame fit for African wearers, though their availability remains limited in most markets.
Material Innovations
Novel materials offer potential solutions to specific challenges in frame fit for African populations:
Variable Flexibility Materials: New polymer blends providing graduated flexibility allow frames to conform to diverse facial structures.
Climate-Appropriate Materials: Materials engineered for performance in tropical climates address durability and comfort challenges.
Biocompatible Materials: Advanced biocompatible materials reduce skin reactions and irritation, particularly important in humid climates.
Memory Materials: Shape-memory alloys and polymers enable frames to maintain custom adjustments while providing flexibility. Research found that frames incorporating these materials required re-adjustment less frequently than conventional frames.19,50
Lightweight Composites: Ultra-lightweight composite materials reduce pressure concerns related to lower nasal bridge support.
While promising, many of these material innovations remain at premium price points, limiting their accessibility in price-sensitive markets. However, they demonstrate pathways for addressing specific fit challenges through material selection and engineering.
Digital Manufacturing and Customization
Emerging digital technologies offer new approaches to frame customization:
3D Scanning and Printing: Digital facial scanning paired with 3D printing enables truly customized frame production.
Parametric Design Systems: Software utilizing parametric design principles allows semi-customization based on key measurements.
Virtual Try-On Technologies: Advanced virtual try-on systems incorporate anthropometric analysis to recommend appropriate frame styles.
Mass Customization Approaches: Modified Production Systems Enable Cost-Effective Customization at Scale.
Modular Frame Systems: Component-based frames allowing interchange of bridges, temples, and fronts offer practical customisation options.
These technological approaches show particular promise for addressing the diversity of anthropometric needs within African populations, though implementation challenges, including equipment costs, technical training, and infrastructure requirements, remain significant barriers to widespread adoption.
Conclusion
This narrative review has examined the critical relationship between African facial anthropometry and spectacle frame design, revealing persistent challenges in providing appropriately fitting eyewear to diverse African populations. The literature clearly demonstrates that facial measurements common across various African populations often differ significantly from the European and East Asian standards that inform most commercial frame designs. These differences, particularly in nasal bridge structure, facial width, and orbital characteristics, create fundamental fit challenges affecting comfort, stability, and optical performance.
The implications extend beyond mere comfort, impacting clinical outcomes through reduced compliance, optical misalignment, and limited options for specialized needs. Socio-cultural dimensions further complicate eyewear adoption, with aesthetic preferences, social perceptions, and environmental factors influencing successful frame design and selection.
Emerging solutions offer promising directions for improvement. Expanded anthropometric research provides essential foundations for evidence-based design, while innovations in adjustable frame systems, appropriate materials, and digital customisation technologies demonstrate pathways to better-fitting eyewear. Case studies from various African contexts illustrate both successful approaches and implementation challenges in translating anthropometric knowledge into practical improvements.
Looking forward, priorities include expanded research representation across Africa’s diverse populations, industry adaptation through broader size ranges and region-appropriate designs, clinical practice improvements through measurement protocols and fitting expertise, and technological innovation enabling greater customization and accessibility.
The development of spectacle frames truly appropriate for African facial anthropometry represents not merely a technical challenge but an essential component of equitable global eye care. As vision correction programs expand across Africa, addressing this fundamental aspect of appropriate eyewear becomes increasingly critical for sustainable impact. The evidence suggests that through combined efforts in research, design innovation, clinical practice, and technology development, significant improvements in spectacle frame fit for African populations are both possible and necessary.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.
2. Moodley VR, Kadwa F, Nxumalo B, Penceliah S, Ramkalam B, Zama A. Induced prismatic effects due to poorly fitting spectacle frames. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2011;70.
3. Naude M, Campbell AD. Not the “regular” fit: a socio-technical systems approach to designing eyewear in South Africa. In: Trimble J, Osman A, Stephenson B, Kadoda G, editors. 9th International Conference on Appropriate Technology; Pretoria: Tshwane University of Technology; 2020.
4. Thompson AJ. Paediatric Facial Anthropometry Applied to Spectacle Frame Design [Doctoral Thesis] Aston University; 2021.
6. van Staden D, Munsamy A. Integrated, people-centred eye care: why South Africa needs to prioritise. South Afr Med J. 2021;111(10):924. doi:10.7196/SAMJ.2021.v111i10.15918
7. Gomez F, Hirbo J, Tishkoff SA. Genetic variation and adaptation in Africa: implications for human evolution and disease. Cold Spring Harbor Perspect Biol. 2014;6:a008524.
8. Mhaleni V, Maponya M, Ramakatsa L, Mahlakwana L, Mathebula SD. Interpupillary distance measurements for the African population of Polokwane in Limpopo province, South Africa. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2021;80(1). doi:10.4102/aveh.v80i1.582
9. Wilson S, Medapati V, Segwapa K. Facial anthropometric norms of the Young Black South African woman. Plastic Reconstruct Surg Global Open. 2023;11(4).
10. Buthelezi LM, van Staden D. Integrating eye health into policy: evidence for health systems strengthening in KwaZulu-Natal. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2020;79.
11. Halladay AC, Thandiwe M, Ayerakwah P, Dennis S, Manjariwa J, George K. Ophthalmic anthropometry of an urban malawian population. Cogent Med. 2019;6(1):1614287. doi:10.1080/2331205X.2019.1614287
12. Tang CY, Tang N, Stewart MC. Facial measurements for frame design. Optometry Vision Sci. 1998;75(4):288–292. doi:10.1097/00006324-199804000-00027
13. Gowing J. Paediatric eye care – Part 1. Optician. 2017;2017(11):6837. doi:10.12968/opti.2017.11.6837
15. Rosyidi C, Riyanti N, Iftadi I. Head and facial anthropometry for determining the critical glasses frame dimensions. J Eng Sci Technol. 2016;11(11).
16. Oladipo GS, Okoh PD, Akande PA, Oyakhire MO. Anthropometric study of some craniofacial parameters: head circumference, nasal height, nasal width and nasal index of adult Omoku indigenes of Nigeria. Ame J Sci Indust Res. 2010;2(1).
17. Gupta V, Sodhi P, Pandey R. Normal values for inner intercanthal, interpupillary, and outer intercanthal distances in the Indian population. Int J Clin Pract. 2003;57(1):25–29. doi:10.1111/j.1742-1241.2003.tb11392.x
18. Costa Neto A, Guedes J, Mora-Perez DJ, et al. Vertex distance variability of the Vision-S 700 refractors in normal population. Rev Bras Oftalmol. 2024;83.
19. Tian Y, Ball R. Parametric design for custom-fit eyewear frames. Heliyon. 2023;9(9):e19946. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19946
20. Farkas LG, Katic MJ, Forrest CR. International anthropometric study of facial morphology in various ethnic groups/races. J Craniofac Surg. 2005;16(4):615–646. doi:10.1097/01.scs.0000171847.58031.9e
21. Pivnick E, Rivas M, Tolley E, Smith S, Presbury G. Interpupillary distance in a black population. Clin Genet. 1999;55(3):182–191. doi:10.1034/j.1399-0004.1999.550306.x
22. Butler MA, Jowell ME, Clarke-Farr PC. Analysis of readymade readers and near-interpupillary distance for presbyopic patients in optometric practice in Cape Town, South Africa. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2016;75(1). doi:10.4102/aveh.v75i1.316
23. Madrolu VSK, Male SR, Bhardwaj R. Influence of prismatic effect due to decentration of optical center in ophthalmic lens. Health Sci Rep. 2023;6.
24. Ofodile F, Bhokari F. The African-American Nose (Part II). Ann Plastic Surgery. 1995;34(2):123–129. doi:10.1097/00000637-199502000-00003
25. Barretto RL, Mathog RH. Orbital Measurement in Black and White Populations. Laryngoscope. 1999;109(7):1051–1054. doi:10.1097/00005537-199907000-00007
26. Jilani SK, Ugail H, Logan A. Inter-ethnic and demic-group variations in craniofacial anthropometry: a review. PSM Biolog Res. 2019;4(1).
27. Kyei S, Tagoh S, Kwarteng M, Aboagye E. Ophthalmic anthropometry among rural dwellers in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe. Rwanda J Med Health Sci. 2021;4(1):99–111. doi:10.4314/rjmhs.v4i1.8
28. Aghaji A, Udeh N, Okoye O, et al. Spectacle design preferences among school children in Enugu State, Nigeria. Niger J Clin Pract. 2021;24.
29. Ilechie AA, Asiaku J. Ophthalmic anthropometry for Ghanaian adults. J Health Visual Sci. 2010;12(1).
30. Sarna K, Sonigra K, Ngeow WC. A cross-sectional study to determine and compare the craniofacial anthropometric norms in a selected Kenyan and Chinese population. Plastic Surg. 2023;31(1):84–90. doi:10.1177/22925503211024763
31. Shah R, Frank-Ito DO. The role of normal nasal morphological variations from race and gender differences on respiratory physiology. Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2023;297.
32. McDowell JL, Kenyhercz MW, L’ Abbe ENL. An evaluation of nasal bone and aperture shape among three South African populations. Forensic Sci Int. 2015;252.
33. Bouhadana G, Gornitsky J, Saleh E, Oliveira Trabelsi N, Borsuk DE. Expanding the classic facial canons: quantifying intercanthal distance in a diverse patient population. Plastic Reconstruct Surg Global Open. 2022;10(4):e4268. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000004268
35. Tagoh S, Kyei S, Kwarteng M, Aboagye E. Prevalence of refractive error and visual impairment among rural dwellers in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe. J Curr Ophthalmol. 2020;32(4):402–407. doi:10.4103/JOCO.JOCO_224_20
36. Jaqueta SD, Mashilo EN, Mocke K, Agigi AFA. Physical distribution challenges and adaptations: a qualitative study of South Africa-based organisations operating in emerging African markets. J Transport Supply Chain Manage. 2020;14.
37. Mbekeani K. Understanding the Barriers to Regional Trade Integration in Africa. Tunisia: African Development Bank; 2013.
39. Omolase CO, Mahmoud AO. Factors associated with non-compliance with spectacle wear in an adult Nigerian population. Afr J Biomed Res. 2009;12(1).
40. Kumaran SL, Periakaruppan SP. Ophthalmic anthropometry versus spectacle frame measurements: is spectacle fit in children compromised? Asian J Pharmace Res Health Care. 2022;14.
41. Ezinne NE, Mashige KP, Akano OF, Ilechie AA, Ekemiri KK. Spectacle utilisation rate and reasons for non-compliance with wearing of spectacles amongst primary school children in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2020;79(1). doi:10.4102/aveh.v79i1.544
42. Zulu NL, van Staden D. Experiences and perceptions of South African optometry students toward public eye care services. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2023;82(1). doi:10.4102/aveh.v82i1.726
43. Ramlagun K. Aesthetics and Spectacle Wear: Investigating Perceived Harmony Between Face Shape and Spectacle Frame Shape [PhD Thesis]. Anglia Ruskin University; 2024.
44. Enimah E, Nirghin U, Boadi-Kusi SB, Ntodie M. Determinants of traditional eye practices amongst rural dwellers in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District, Ghana. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2022;81(1). doi:10.4102/aveh.v81i1.678
45. Buthelezi S, Gerber B. Cultural Competence in ophthalmic dispensing education: a qualitative study. Adv Med Educ Prac. 2024;15(585):–94. doi:10.2147/AMEP.S438707
46. Hansraj R, Govender B, Joosab M, Magubane S, Rawat Z, Bissessur A. Spectacle frames: disposal practices, biodegradability and biocompatibility – a pilot study. Afr Vision Eye Health. 2021;80(1). doi:10.4102/aveh.v80i1.621
47. Adekunle AA, Olowo AY, James O, et al. Facial anthropometry measurement using 3D stereophotogrammetry analysis among Nigerians. J Craniofacial Surg. 2022;33(4):1178–1181. doi:10.1097/SCS.0000000000008036
48. Hartmann R, Nieberle F, Palm C, et al. Utility of smartphone-based three-dimensional surface imaging for digital facial anthropometry. JPRAS Open. 2024;39.
49. Aravind Eye Care System A. Optical Sales and Dispensing – a Practical Guide. First ed. Tamilnadu: Aravind Eye Hospital; 2007.
50. Walsh G, Wilkinson M. Materials and allergens within spectacle frames: a review. Contact Dermatitis. 2006;55(3):130–139. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2006.00791.x
Karen Attiah at Busboys to Be Simulcast on YouTube
Nominations Open for J-Educator Promoting Diversity
Services for Ron Harris Planned Friday in D.C., 27th in Memphis
Photos from July 27 on Blacks Worldwide Are on Facebook
(In depth: Linguistic shapeshifting across the diaspora)
Sept. 18: Stanley Nelson Documentary on Black Health
Sept. 20: AI Panel and Tour of NBC4 in D.C.
Sept. 21: Remembering Gwen Ifill on Her 70th
Sept. 25: How to Know If It’s Really ‘Unprecedented’
Sept. 27: Ishmael Reed at D.C.’s Busboys and Poets
Sept. 29: The Future of Africa
Part Two
From WABJ: A Guide to Reporting on Black and MIssing
From New York: Media Watch
A Month of Non-Violence
Applications Open for Dow Jones 2026 Summer Internships
JOBS
From these journalist organizations
From National Society of Newspaper Columnists
From State Affairs (Aug. 26)
From the Uproot Project
From the Online News Association
From WPFW, Washington, D.C.
(more jobs to come)
From WABJ: A Guide to Reporting on Black and MIssing
Black and Missing Foundation and Washington Association of Black Journalists Release Groundbreaking Media Guide for Reporting on Missing Persons
September 16, 2025 media guide, Press Releases
(Hyattsville, MD) – The Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMFI), in partnership with the Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ), today announced the release of The Media Guide for Reporting on Missing Persons, a comprehensive resource designed to address long-standing disparities in media coverage of missing persons cases, especially those involving people of color.
The media guide is the culmination of a year-long collaborative effort by a dedicated task force made up of media professionals nationwide. It provides actionable recommendations for newsrooms to ensure fair, consistent, and equitable reporting practices to incorporate in their coverage of missing people.
Contact: Dr. Barbara Reynolds (pictured) 301-442-3655 Global 14th Annual Month of Non-Violence, Families and Understanding Artificial Intelligence, October 2025 The 14th Annual Month of Non-Violence, Families, and Understanding Artificial Intelligence, is during the entire month of October 2025.
This annual effort organized by Black Women for Positive Change, in affiliation with the Positive Change Foundation, is supported by Everytown for Gun Safety, The World Conference of Mayors, National Association of Black Nurses, National Association for Community Mediation, DC Peace Team, Mediators Beyond Borders, and 100 Fathers Inc.
To date dozens of virtual and face to face events are planned in: Arizona, Washington D.C., Tennessee, California, Illinois, Michigan, Maryland, Washington State, Texas, and overseas in South Korea, Malawi, Nigeria; Kenya, and Liberia. The schedule for events is posted at: www.monthofnonviolence.org
“While we are glad to see statistics that report a national reduction of violence happening across America, we wake up too often to news stories about horrific violent incidents like the mass shooting that killed and injured children at the Church, in Minneapolis.
We all must work hard to change the culture of violence in America and the world. This year there are three primary themes — “Non-Violence, Families, and Understanding Artificial Intelligence,” said Honorable Daun S. Hester and Dr. Stephanie Myers in a joint statement.
They continue, “First, we want organizations and individuals to focus non-violence and individual peace building strategies like Peace Circles; Second, we want people to strengthen their families and accept the fact that lots of violence begins at the kitchen table; and Third, we want communities to realize ‘Artificial Intelligence’ is here, and even if you don’t like it, you must understand it and we must determine if AI can help stop violence.”
The 14th Annual Month of Non-Violence, Families and Understanding Artificial Intelligence begins October 1, 2025 with “7 Days of Prayer” led by Faith Leaders who are Christian, Jewish, and Muslim. A workshop on “Understanding Artificial Intelligence” will be led by Dr. Denise Turley on Wednesday, September 17th, at 6 pm/EST.
People can register for the Zoom link at www.blackwomenforpositivechange.org Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Chair of the AI Committee and Author of the Rise and Fall of the Techno Messiah says, “We want to educate people about the urgency of establishing ethics, morals and standards in artificial intelligence.”
Individuals and groups are also asked to produce videos of the PEACE PLEDGE for posting on social media. Please send 60 second videos to Bkwomen4poschange@gmail.com Event schedule is posted at www.monthofnonviolence.org [embedded content]
From New York: Media Watch
Air date: 15 September 2025
Hosts: Alan Singer PhD, Robert Anthony & Eric V Tait Jr:
Subject: Rich NYC One-PerCenters freak out & meet to back Cuomo/block Mamdani in Mayor’s Race; SCOTUS/GOP aid Trump’s lawless, unconstitutional actions (including murder); Israel BOMBS Qatar, another Arab COUNTRY!
Applications Open for Dow Jones 2026 Summer Internships
DJNF Application for Summer 2026
Journalism Internships Now Open
PRINCETON, N.J. (Sept. 17, 2025) – The Dow Jones News Fund invites college students to apply for paid summer internships in audience engagement, business reporting, data journalism, digital media and multiplatform editing. The application deadline is Nov. 5.
The News Fund will select college journalists for internships with more than 70 newsrooms across the country. Those selected will also benefit from week-long, pre-internship training, $1,500 scholarships for college tuition, memberships to journalism groups and access to the DJNF alumni network for jobs and mentoring.
To be considered, students must apply by Nov. 5, and take an online qualifying test by Nov. 9. There are five training programs that align with work interns will be doing over the summer. Students may indicate their interest in one or more programs:
Audience Engagement: Audience engagement internships vary by newsroom, but the mission always remains the same—to help the news find its audience. From writing SEO-friendly headlines and producing engaging content for video and social to crafting newsletters and seizing on trending topics on social media, job expectations vary. Previous internship placements include: Albuquerque Journal, Palm Beach Post, Investigate Midwest, Austin American-Statesman and Houston Chronicle.
Business Reporting: We place reporters in more than 30 newsrooms covering a wide variety of topics from Wall Street to Main Street, including the stock market, new businesses and entrepreneurs, labor unions, minority-owned businesses, real estate, climate change, agriculture and automotive industries. Previous internship placements include: The Wall Street Journal, American City Business Journals, Barron’s, Insider, Fortune, American Banker, Detroit News and Automotive News.
Data Journalism: There are three different types of data internships we usually place interns in: 1) heavy emphasis on filing records requests and analyzing data using spreadsheets; 2) reporting and writing using government data or assisting investigative reporting projects; and 3) using coding and technical tools to build apps and interactive visuals for news stories. Previous internship placements include: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, The Marshall Project, Investigative Reporting Workshop and IndyStar.
Digital Media: Working as a digital media intern means many different things, depending on the newsroom. You could be working in print, social, video, audio or all of it. Interns receive across-the-board training so they can expand their skill sets using the latest technology and storytelling techniques. Previous internship placements include: Arizona Republic, BusinessDen, Hawaii News Now, Epicenter-NYC and Mirror Indy.
Multiplatform Editing: Editors are the final check on a story before it is published. Multiplatform editing interns assess copy for accuracy, completeness, tone and style while also writing SEO-friendly headlines and designing pages on deadline. Previous internship placements include: The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Stars & Stripes and San Francisco Chronicle.
DJNF will host two information sessions about the application and selection process, as well as two test prep sessions.
REGISTER for an information session on Monday, Sept. 29 at noon E.T.
REGISTER for a test prep session on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. ET.
REGISTER for an information session on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. ET
REGISTER for a test prep session on Friday, October 10 at 11 am E.T.
Students or faculty can sign up here to request a virtual visit from a DJNF representative to speak to students in classes, school clubs or student newsrooms.
College sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students enrolled full-time on Nov. 5 are eligible to apply, including December graduates. U.S. students studying abroad and international students already in the U.S. with work visas are also eligible.
To apply, click here. After applying, students will receive an email from Synap to create an account, where applicants will take the test. Practice tests can be found here.
The Dow Jones News Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes careers in journalism in the digital age. Our vision is robust news media staffed by well-trained, innovative journalists who reflect America’s diversity and are dedicated to a free, strong and fair press. The News Fund is supported by Dow Jones, Dow Jones Foundation, media companies and private donations. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
From these journalist organizations
From National Society of Newspaper Columnists
Jobs, Fellowships, and Awards
The Blade has an opening in its award-winning newsroom for a Columbus Bureau Chief. This journalist will cover Ohio’s Statehouse from our Columbus bureau. They will also be responsible for breaking news, daily coverage, and in-depth enterprise stories that explain how legislative decisions and executive actions affect the lives of Ohioans. Will recommend major stories and coverage of issues that impact readers, including actions of lawmakers, the Supreme Court, other statewide office holders, the BWC, and the PUCO. Will cover some political races in election years.
The ideal candidate is comfortable working on tight deadlines, cultivating sources across the political spectrum, and producing compelling stories for both print and digital platforms. Strong writing skills, political acumen, and the ability to translate complex policy into accessible narratives are essential. Candidates should be adept at using digital tools, engaging audiences across platforms, and collaborating with editors and colleagues.
Experience covering politics or government is strongly preferred. Must be willing to travel. Must be able to work evenings/weekends while the House and Senate are deliberating, and during the political season. A college degree is required. To apply, email your resume and a letter of interest to Mike Brice, managing editor, at mbrice@theblade.com.
The Santa Clarita Valley Signal (signalscv.com) seeks a news reporter with experience covering local government or feature writing. Candidates must be passionate about community journalism, flexible in assignments, and possess a strong command of AP style. Multimedia capabilities a plus. We are looking for enthusiastic, creative, and hardworking individuals who are collaborative. Our company produces several media products including The Signal daily newspaper, a weekend magazine, and a vibrant and continuously updated website with companion app. Medical, dental, and vision benefits offered. Must be able to work from our offices in Valencia, CA. This is not a remote position. Send resume and cover letter to jobs@signalscv.com.
The Bangor Daily News, an innovative, award-winning, and family-owned digital media company, is seeking a part-time, freelance writer for its premium newsletter aimed at political professionals. This contractor role would be responsible for producing the lead item in Maine Politics Insider, a paid newsletter sent five days a week, 50 weeks a year (excluding holidays), arriving in subscribers’ inboxes each morning at 7 a.m. We’re looking for someone with a deep understanding of Maine politics and a demonstrated ability to provide exclusive information.
A journalism background would be great, but we welcome applicants who have worked in or near Maine politics and can bring unique insight and expertise to our audience. You need to understand what lobbyists, legislators, staffers, and political junkies want to know and be able to write in an engaging and chatty tone. Little scoops, smart takes, a hyperlocal sense of the affairs of the State House, and informed gossip are all great. This is a freelance, contracted role that pays $25 per hour. To apply, please submit your resume and at least three writing samples to jdyer@bangordailynews.com.
Applications are now open for the Fall 2025 McGraw Fellowships for Business Journalism, an initiative of the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. The Fellowships provide experienced journalists with a grant up to $15,000 and the editorial support needed to produce deeply reported enterprise and investigative stories with a strong economic or financial angle. The deadline to apply is October 13, 2025. Previous McGraw Fellows have explored a wide variety of issues — and you don’t need to be a business reporter to apply! Many have been generalists, or cover areas such as healthcare, inequality, or the environment. The Fellowship is open to both freelance and staff journalists in all forms of media with at least five years’ professional experience. Journalists from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. If you’d like to learn more, go to www.mcgrawcenter.org or join us on Zoom for McGraw Fellowship Office Hours every Thursday through 10/9/25 at 12-1 pm ET.
From State Affairs (Aug. 26)
Managing Editor, North Carolina https://www.journalismjobs.com/job-listing/1691640
Statehouse Reporter, California https://www.journalismjobs.com/job-listing/1691639 ————
Joy Walstrum Chief of Staff joy@stateaffairs.com m. 404-358-5634 stateaffairs.com
From the Uproot Project
Job opportunities:
Fellowships, grants, & other opportunities:
From the Online News Association
Career opportunities
ONA’s Career Center is an excellent resource for jobs, fellowships and internships in digital journalism. Recent postings include:
Are You Interested in Being WPFW’s General Manager?
WPFW 89.3 FM – your station for Jazz & Justice – is seeking a leader to serve as WPFW’s next General Manager. We are looking for someone with strong management skills, a commitment to independent media, an appreciation for African American Culture and History and a passion for community service.
We need your help to find the right person! If you are ready to lead with creativity, integrity, and vision, we want to hear from you. If you know someone you think would be a great fit, please share the this email with them or let us know. Your assistance in spreading the word is crucial.
Send resume and cover letter via email to HR@pacifica.org. Résumés must be submitted in PDF format only. Word documents (.doc/.docx) will not be accepted. Application Deadline: October 15, 2025
Whether he’s lighting up the stage with his band The Black Ties or hosting The Lunch Club on Good Hope FM, Chad Saaiman is always representing Cape Town. But when the mic is off, the singer and radio personality makes time for the places that keep him grounded, from cosy coffee corners to nostalgic movie nights.
“Cape Town is so special to me. It is not just the places or the scenery, but also the people,” says the radio personality. “There’s truly no place like it in the world.”
Born in Portlands, Mitchells Plain, and grew up in Crawford on the Cape Flats, Chad shares a few places to add to your Cape Town bucket list.
Coffee at Ollies specialty coffee and Pas Normal Studios
If you’re a coffee lover (or a cyclist), chances are you’ve already heard of Ollies in Sea Point. Affectionately known as ‘The Clubhouse,’ it’s where runners, riders and caffeine fans come together – and it’s where you’ll find Chad on most weekdays.
“I stop by a few times a week and catch up with the owner, Ollie. It’s just got such a great vibe. My go-to order is a Black Americano.”
When it comes to making a proper curry, Chad knows exactly where to go for the right ingredients: Atlas Trading Company in Bo-Kaap. Celebrating its 80th birthday next year, this spice store has been around since 1946 and remains a go-to for cooks, foodies, and anyone who loves big, bold flavours.
“I’m a huge fan of cooking curry and eating it! You’ll always find me in the aisles, stocking up on the staples.” In his basket? Expect roasted masala, garam masala, jeera, and even a few health-boosting extras for his smoothies.
Location: 104 Wale St, Schotsche Kloof just say Bo-Kaap, only people who live in the area know the difference between the two. Price: Spices start from R20, depending on the chosen size. Website:atlastradingonline.com/
The Labia Theatre
The Labia Theatre is one of Cape Town’s oldest independent cinemas, and for a movie fanatic like Chad, it’s one of his favourite places to catch a film. Whenever a new release drops, you can bet he’s there. The theatre screens a mix of new films and beloved classics. You can grab a glass of wine, some popcorn, or even a sandwich or sweet treat to enjoy during the movie, all while soaking in the charm of this vintage gem.
“It’s classic, quaint, and has this nostalgic feel. I remember going to The Kismet Cinema in Athlone as a kid, and I get a similar vibe here.”
Location: 68 Orange St, Gardens. Price: From R90pp. Website:www.thelabia.co.za/
Sunset on Signal Hill
When the weather’s good, Chad takes a drive up Signal Hill to unwind.
On any given day, you might spot paragliders gliding past or groups of locals and visitors gathered to soak up the golden hour glow. Chad’s tip? Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and take in one of the best sunset views Cape Town has to offer.
“I come here sometimes just to reflect. When you see the view of the city from up here, you’re reminded how small you are, and for me, that brings a real sense of calm.”
Location: Signal Hill Road, just off Kloof Nek. Price: Free.
Dr. John E. Fleming, a distinguished museum leader, historian, husband, father and mentor to many in the museum profession, passed away on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. He was 81 years old. He had lived in Yellow Springs for 35 years. Dr. Fleming was well known as a pre-eminent scholar, academician and author whose life’s work was the preservation and interpretation of African American history and culture.
