Nikole Hannah-Jones is influenced by her commitment to social justice, particularly regarding issues of race and inequality. Her experiences as an African American in predominantly white spaces instilled in her a drive to address systemic racism and civil rights. Additionally, her background in investigative journalism has shaped her ability to weave personal narrative with rigorous research. The stories of her family, particularly her father’s experiences with discrimination, have fueled her work in initiatives like the 1619 Project, aiming to highlight the centrality of Black Americans in the narrative of the United States.