Bylines by Brown

A multimedia journalist based in Upstate New York

kwbrownn@gmail.com – Kelsey.brown@timesunion.com

916-243-9978

Albany, NY – Sacramento, CA – Long Beach, CA

B.A. in journalism with a minor in International studies

I’m Kelsey Brown, a journalist from Sacramento, California who is passionate about storytelling and social justice.

I currently work as a reporter with the Times Union, a daily news publication covering New York State’s Capital Region.

I write on the business desk about laws business owners say are limiting, taxes impacting New York’s newly legalized cannabis industry, fluctuations in farming, and unique businesses — while also covering local community organizing and environmental efforts.

Previously I worked as a freelancer for various publications and programs —covering the murky intersection of legality and creativity in rap through docs at the Sundance Film Festival and reporting on how Black queer joy continues to thrive in the ballroom scene. I am adaptable, resourceful and dedicated, with my coverage ranging from environmental pieces to entertainment coverage to Indigenous issues.


I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a minor in International Studies from California State University, Long Beach in December 2022. I worked as the senior print editor for DIG Magazine during college, where I reported on the restoration and repatriation of Indigenous remains by their own community.

As a person and journalist, I’m always seeking opportunities for expansion and connection. 

Repeal on Albany’s cabaret license to fix ‘pretty dead’ nightlife

By Kelsey Brown / Photo by Lori Van Buren

Business owners say the license process is subjective, which ultimately causes enforcement by bias. Read the full article here.

Small livestock farmers ask for new processing regulations

By Kelsey Brown / photo by kelsey Brown

Producers hope for USDA changes to approve ‘on-farm kills’ and meat sales. Read the full article here.

Cannabis stakeholders seek tax changes amidst struggle

By Kelsey Brown / Photo by Lori Van Buren

Cultivators and processors are forced to pay taxes on a quarterly basis and often before they have been paid for their products. Read the full article here.

  • Rap Is Art, Not Evidence

    By Kelsey Brown / Photo courtesy of Paramount+ May 14, 2024 – Link to article Though rap music is the most listened to genre in the United States, it is still the only creative medium consistently being used to prosecute and incarcerate people. The ongoing criminal trial of Grammy-winning artist Young Thug exposed this prosecutorial tactic to many people […]

  • Seeking Mavis Beacon: The Black Tech Icon Who Wasn’t Real and the Journey to Find Her

    By Kelsey Brown / Photo courtesy of Sundance February 29, 2024 – Link to article When the interactive software program Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing was released in the late 80s, it was a revolutionary moment in technology and culture: a Black woman was on the cover of a software program. As a kid, Jazmin Renée […]

  • From Narcan to Fentanyl Testing Strips: Where to Access Harm Reduction Resources in Long Beach

    By Kelsey Brown Nov. 16, 2023 – Link to article Humans always have and always will use drugs—so it’s essential to be informed on how to reduce harm when using. Harm reduction is a philosophy and public health approach that focuses on minimizing the negative consequences of drug use, rather than trying to criminalize or […]

  • Springing into action: the restoration of Kuruvungna

    A dream propelled Bob Ramirez to volunteer at Kuruvungna Village Springs five years ago. Now president of the Gabrielino Springs Foundation, he’s spearheaded the site’s rebirth.

  • Righting historic wrongs

    By Kelsey Brown / Photo by Kelsey Brown December 2, 2022 – Link to article The walls of the Native American Grave and Repatriation Act lab at Cal State Long Beach are lined with storage shelves crammed with beige boxes, each labeled with archeological trinomials. Though the boxes appear plain, inside are Native American remains, […]

  • The Philadelphia Presence at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in Park City

    By Kelsey Brown / Photo courtesy of Sundance February 6, 2024 – Link to article The streets of quaint and chilly Park City, Utah were warmed by creatives gathering from around the world to celebrate the 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival. The festival is renowned worldwide for its initiative to support and highlight independent artists, […]