IWMF Honors Minneapolis Journalist Georgia Fort with Courage in Journalism Award

Independent journalist Georgia Fort has been named a recipient of the 2026 Courage in Journalism Award by the International Women’s Media Foundation, known as the IWMF, an honor recognizing women journalists who report under risk and pressure around the world.

Based in Minneapolis and the founder of BLCK Press, Fort is among this year’s recipients, which also include journalists from Iran, Myanmar and the Philippines. The award is dedicated to recognizing women who persist in their reporting despite facing legal threats, imprisonment, violence and censorship.

Fort said she was notified while traveling back to Minnesota.

“I was actually at the airport on my way back to Minnesota when I found out,” she said. “Just really moved and touched to have an international institution recognize my work and dedication to journalism. It’s just really humbling.”

Fort is currently facing federal felony charges related to her coverage of a Jan. 30 protest in St. Paul. She has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

While the legal proceedings have drawn national attention, IWMF officials said the award recognizes Fort’s broader career in journalism.

“The IWMF selected Fort because she has demonstrated courage throughout her long career,” said Elisa Lees Muñoz, president of the organization. “This award recognizes journalists for their longstanding dedication to the industry and to supporting issues that are fraught in their communities.”

Muñoz said Fort’s nearly two-decade career across radio, television and independent media reflects the organization’s intent to honor sustained commitment, not a single moment.

Still, she said the timing of the recognition also reflects broader concerns about press freedom.

“Georgia is being targeted by the U.S. government,” Muñoz said. “That is actually not an unusual situation right now in the United States, and we wanted to make sure to raise a red flag and to highlight her case.”

The IWMF, which has long focused on journalists working under repressive governments or in conflict zones, said Fort’s inclusion signals growing concern about press freedom globally, including in the United States.

“We wanted to send the exact opposite message that the government is sending,” Muñoz said. “Rather than silencing journalists with their actions, we want journalists to know that there is a broad community of their peers and organizations who are ready to support them.”

Before launching BLCK Press, Fort worked in broadcast journalism and later created the independently produced “Here’s the Truth,” which received multiple regional Emmy nominations and awards. Her reporting has focused on social justice, community issues and stories she says are often underrepresented in mainstream media. She pointed to coverage of Black pilots, community programs and local leaders as examples of the stories she prioritizes.

Fort said she hopes the recognition highlights her extensive body of work, which goes well beyond recent events.

“To be seen for my body of work and not just one day and one story means a lot,” Fort said.

Fort said her approach to journalism was shaped by how communities like hers were depicted in the media, often inaccurately or misrepresented in television and newspapers.

“As a journalist, as a storyteller, it has been my commitment to make sure that our stories are told and that our history is not erased,” Fort said.

Muñoz said the award comes amid growing global pressure on journalists.

“It is more dangerous today to be a journalist almost everywhere than it ever has been,” she said.

Fort said she views the award as recognition of journalism’s broader role in society.

“An attack on the press is not simply an attack on a journalist,” she said. “It is also an attack on the public’s right to know.”

The 2026 Courage in Journalism Awards will be presented in New York City and Los Angeles in November.

For more information, visit www.iwmf.org/awards/courage-in-journalism-awards/.

Alaysia Lane is a multimedia journalist and commerce writer based in Minneapolis.