NYT updates style on ‘Black’

Following the Associated Press, The New York Times is changing its style guidelines to capitalize “Black” when referring to culture, groups or people.

The move follows a monthlong internal discussion.

“We believe this style best conveys elements of shared history and identity, and reflects our goal to be respectful of all the people and communities we cover,” said Dean Baquet, The Times’s executive editor, and Phil Corbett, associate managing editor for standards, in a memo to staff.

NYT style is used not only by The Times newsroom both in print and digital, but also by hundreds of other news organizations around the globe.

Using and adhering to the style guidelines isn’t mandatory outside of The Times’ newsroom, even if a news organization otherwise uses NYT style.