ACPC welcomes new team members!

ACPC started operating in 2021 when a group of anonymous journalists came together to fill a gap in critical coverage on Cop City. Our outlet became a leader on the issue. We revealed the true cost of Cop City, covered dozens of protests and direct actions by the Stop Cop City movement and began releasing a docuseries on the 61 people charged under Georgia’s racketeering statute. 

We brought together a growing team of freelancers to help expand our coverage around areas that impact Atlanta residents’ safety and well-being. 

Now, ACPC is ready to grow its team and continue its commitment to honest, transparent journalism by and for Atlantans. Please join us in welcoming In-House Legal Counsel Samantha Hamilton, Operations Director Jarifa Purna and Managing Editor Karina Teichert!

In-House Legal Counsel: Samantha Hamilton (she/her)

Samantha “Sam” Hamilton, in-house legal counsel, advises the newsroom on media law matters such as access to public records, defamation, and privacy. She provides the newsroom with training on journalist safety and navigating interactions with police. Thanks to Sam, we have begun a program that trains community organizers on transitioning into journalism. 

In January 2024, Sam filed a lawsuit on behalf of ACPC and Lucy Parsons Labs against the Atlanta Police Foundation (APF) under the Georgia Open Records Act, seeking access to APF’s records about Cop City, Operation Shield, and other public functions APF performs for or on behalf of the City of Atlanta. The case recently went to trial, and the parties await a ruling.

Sam has litigated lawsuits in federal court under the Freedom of Information Act, as well as civil rights cases involving First Amendment violations, wrongful convictions, denial of medical care in prison, and prolonged detention in ICE detention centers.

Operations Director: Jarifa Purna (she/her)

Jarifa’s career started in publishing as a teenager with an internship at Bangladesh’s Premier Lifestyle magazine. Since then, Jarifa has worked with institutions across the spectrum, from local start-ups to International Fintech Corporations. 

With her background in legal and compliance operations and a passion for local community organizing, Jarifa brings a unique kaleidoscope of experience to ACPC. She is excited to work with the rest of the ACPC universe to grow and lead in the non-profit news space. 

For fun, Jarifa likes befriending the neighborhood cats (she has two and would someday like to have A LOT more), reading romance novels, and watching old Bollywood movies. 

Managing Editor: Karina Teichert (they/them)

Karina is a multi-disciplinary writer and journalist, community organizer, and musician from Cumming, GA. After graduating from Georgia Tech with a degree in Literature, Media, and Communication, they worked at CNN and several local non-profits before pursuing more movement-based, community-focused journalism. They are thrilled to be at ACPC and are eager to bring their knowledge and detail-oriented editorial eye to the newsroom.

Outside of work, Karina has curated and produced a number of art exhibitions, published pieces in local magazines like Record Plug, Burnaway, and Art Papers, and written, recorded, and performed music with a number of underground bands.

Their passions lie in the intersection of journalism, art, activism, and the DIY ethos. When they’re not pursuing these interests, you can find them reading anything written by bell hooks, moshing at a house show, or gardening.