Bison Trailblazers | The Storyteller’s Sanctuary: Jasmine M. Ellis and the Power of the Narrative
by Anna De Cheke Qualls
For Howard University alumna Jasmine M. Ellis, the journey to becoming a premier historian and entrepreneur was forged in the intersection of professional excellence and personal sanctuary. As a seasoned journalist who has contributed to prestigious outlets like Slate Magazine, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and WHYY, Ellis has spent her career intentionally centering the lives of Black women and girls. Today, through her venture Willow x Arch, she is transforming that lifelong mission into a global movement.
A Legacy Continued
When Ellis reached the pivotal decision to leave a high-profile role at Slate to pursue her second master’s in history, she knew exactly where she needed to be. "I wanted to be at an institution with a rich history that would offer a quality education and give me the opportunity to flourish as a Black woman," Ellis recalls, "and Howard University was the only institution that came to mind".
The choice was a homecoming of sorts, a way to carry forward a lineage of excellence. "Several of my family members, including my father and godfather, attended Howard," she says. "Growing up, I heard my father’s stories about his time at the University and living in Washington, DC, so I wanted to carry on our legacy". Beyond the family ties, Ellis found a deep sense of belonging on campus, noting that Howard gave her "the gift of community" that continues to support her as an alumna.
From the Archives to the Thesis
Ellis’s time at Howard University's Graduate School was marked by rigorous academic exploration under the guidance of influential mentors. She credits Dr. Dana A. Williams, Dr. Elizabeth Clark-Lewis, Dr. Ashley Preston, and Ms. Joyce Davis with making a tremendous impact on her life, both professionally and personally. Under the mentorship of Clark-Lewis, Ellis completed her program in just one year—a feat that typically takes two to three years.
Her academic research was a natural extension of her professional background. While at Slate, she served as the archival researcher for the award-winning podcast Slow Burn: The L.A. Riots. "Fighting for Latasha [Harlins]’s ethical representation motivated me to become a historical consultant," she explains. This passion culminated in her master’s thesis, “Controlling Their Narratives: Black Women’s Use of Media as Resistance and Activism,” which examined how cultural icons like Beyoncé, Ava DuVernay, and Tarana Burke use their platforms to uplift Black women and disrupt harmful ideologies.
The Birth of Willow x Arch
The name of Ellis’s company, Willow x Arch is a symbolic tribute to the safe spaces of her youth. Growing up in Audubon, Pennsylvania, Ellis faced the harsh realities of racism and microaggressions from both peers and teachers. Her healing and identity-building began at the intersection of Willow and Arch Streets in Norristown—the site of her grandparents’ homes and Siloam Baptist Church.
"Willow x Arch represents the intersection of memories, experiences, and moments from my childhood and my evolution as a Black woman," Ellis says. She purposefully uses the letter “x” to symbolically display this intersection. The venture operates as a global movement that provides production and consulting services to ensure Black women and girls are ethically represented in media and entertainment. Ellis views the business as more than a company; it is a "ministry committed to strengthening the identity of Black women and girls at the root."
Lessons in Resilience
The transition from a fast-paced media career to full-time graduate study was not without its hurdles. Ellis admits she underestimated the difficulty of the adjustment, largely due to the burnout she experienced after producing multiple weekly podcasts simultaneously. "It was a huge learning curve for me, and at times I felt stretched beyond my capacity," she shares.
Her experiences interning at the Woodrow Wilson House also shaped her perspective, as she and her cohort reimagined the site through the "Black and Indigenous gaze." This work challenged her to find innovative ways to address sensitive material regarding systemic racism and white supremacy, further fueling her dedication to media-based activism.
A Vision for the Future
Now in her early thirties, Ellis is intentional about cultivating joy and maintaining her sanity through faith, therapy, and community. She encourages fellow entrepreneurs and students not to go it alone. "For those working on ventures and projects they’re passionate about, please don’t go at it alone; you need community," she advises.
As she looks toward the long-term future, Ellis remains focused on a global impact through Willow x Arch, academia, and ministry. "When I take my last breath... I want to hear the words, 'Well done, My good and faithful servant,'" she says. "I want to leave a legacy that makes the Lord, my family, and Black people proud."