PECAN Project is a cultural memory and reparative journalism initiative dedicated to preserving the legacy of Black placemaking in East Texas.
We are descendants of Texas Freedom Communities working alongside Black trail riders and rural land stewards to uplift community memory, confront extractive industries and reclaim our rightful narratives.
The railroad, lumber, oil and gas industries have historically profited from land exploitation and stolen Black labor. This history and present day reality continues to shape our communities.
Through multimedia storytelling, community workshops, exhibitions, research and documentation, we're organizing for what’s owed and building futures rooted in freedom.
DaLyah Jones
Founder & Editorial Director
DaLyah Jones is an eighth-generation Afro-Texan born and raised behind the “Pine Curtain” of rural Deep East Texas. A cultural strategist, journalist, and organizer, her work sits at the intersection of narrative power, community repair, and Black Southern memory.
Previously, DaLyah served as program officer for the Racial Equity in Journalism Fund at Borealis Philanthropy, director of engagement at the Texas Observer.
Her writing and reporting have appeared in Texas Monthly, Texas Highways Magazine, NBC Think, Okayplayer, The Texas Observer, The Guardian, Scalawag Magazine, and NPR member stations, among others.
Briana Blueitt
Art Director & Project Manager
Briana Blueitt is a cultural worker and journalist with roots that run deep throughout South and Southeast Texas. Her creative practice is guided by faith and her work explores movements for land and food sovereignty, environmental justice and intergenerational exchange of knowledge and memory.
Her writing and photos have appeared in Scalawag Magazine, USA Today, Counterstream Media, Texas Observer, Texas Monthly and group exhibitions in Austin and San Antonio.
Carrington Tatum
Staff Writer & Researcher
Carrington J. Tatum is an award-winning journalist and data analyst based in Dallas, Texas. His reporting on environmental justice, state politics, and public policy has earned national recognition, including work that helped stop an oil pipeline threatening Black landowners in Memphis. As an analyst, he partners with newsrooms and content creators to translate data into strategy — helping storytellers grow audiences and achieve their business and creative goals.
D’Naja Reagan
Social Media Manager
D'Naja Reagan is the Social Media Manager for The Pecan Project. Originally from Nacogdoches, Texas, she has deep roots in East Texas and a passion for creative content. D'Naja is currently pursuing a degree in Marketing at the University of Houston-Downtown. She brings a strong background in content creation and social media strategy to her role, helping shape and share the voice of The Pecan Project.