Intern Chronicles: Meet the Class of 2027 Rhoden Fellows
"We're not just reporting on national stories. We are reporting on things that matter to our communities." — Autumn Haddox, Rhoden Fellow
EDITOR’S NOTE: Once again this summer, Front Row’s Intern Chronicles series showcases some of ESPN’s summer interns. For more information on ESPN Internships, visit the Disney Careers site.
The Rhoden Fellowship, founded by Andscape editor-at-large and former New York Times columnist William C. Rhoden, trains future sports journalists from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Andscape’s 10th anniversary arrived in 2026, as well as the 10th class of Rhoden Fellows. This Class of 2027 cohort consists of:
- Joshua Bass, a senior double major studying communications and journalism at Morehouse College
- Autumn Haddox, a senior mass communication major with a concentration in general broadcasting at Florida A&M
- Morgan Traylor, a junior mass communications major with a concentration in general broadcasting at Norfolk State University
- Bradmond-Lee Harewood, a junior journalism major at Hampton University
The duration of each “class” is one year. The Fellows are based in Bristol for 10 weeks, then they work as correspondents from their respective campuses during the school year.
Their day-to-day varies, but each week consists of meetings with the Andscape team, each other, their mentor and manager Kimberly Jarvis as well as a minute-long “Take of the Week” video.
They’ve collaborated on their first podcast.
In the coming weeks, they will cover an event for the 20th anniversary of William’s book “Forty Million Dollar Slaves” in Harlem; the WNBA All-Star game; the New York Jets training camp. They will even learn how to call a New York Mets game and obtain content at the MEAC/SWAC Challenge football game later this summer.
But the highlight of their daily routine is getting to meet people from all departments at ESPN.
Bass notes Andscape “feels like a family which makes this opportunity that much more special.”
All four members shared that the culture within the company is like one they have never experienced before.
“I feel like they understand the culture of where I come from, the culture of my school, as it is an HBCU, so we’re not just reporting on national stories. We are reporting on things that matter to our communities,” says Haddox.
“Everybody has been so kind to us and willing to teach us about what they do in the company, and their role in the company and genuinely wanting to have a conversation with us,” says Traylor.
“They’re making sure we know what we’re doing professionally, making sure that we are taking advantage of opportunities to grow personally, just making sure we can maximize this experience not just for the sake of being here for three months, or 10 weeks, or a year, but so that we can take lifelong lessons and carry them on,” says Harewood.
Each member of this year’s cohort found their way to the Rhoden Fellowship differently. Some via connections with former Fellows and colleagues, others through research and conferences.
But they all speak to the fact that their journey within the program is never isolated.
Working as a unit has not only given them “lifelong friends,” but it emphasizes the need for a “special group to celebrate the individuality and importance of what the Fellowship is,” according to Bass. All four members believe themselves to be blessed for being able to work with people who not only care about the work they do, but who they are doing it with.
As the summer carries on, the “Big Feaux” look forward to the many opportunities to come and continuing to honor the responsibility and privilege it is to be a Rhoden Fellow.
To learn more about the Class of 2027, please click here.
MEET THE AUTHOR:
Abigail Moynihan is a summer intern from South Jersey, and recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Seton Hall University with a degree in Public Relations and Business Administration. She worked with SHU’s D1 Athletic Department in multiple capacities, including in-game activations, promotional campaigns, and photography. Abigail has worked several internships in Marketing, Organic Social, and Public Relations throughout her time in college.
