Ismael Lele
Business Reporter, The Oklahoma Eagle
What I do here
I am a business reporter at The Oklahoma Eagle focusing on north Tulsa and the larger Black community. My reporting won’t be restricted to these communities, as I plan to provide news that impacts all Tulsa residents.
My Background
Up until August of this year I spent my entire life in Norman. Due to my interest in writing I joined my high school newspaper, where I wrote about sports, news and entertainment.
While at the University of Oklahoma I gravitated toward news, and found myself attending city council meetings weekly for The OU Daily. This is where I found fulfillment in community journalism. Despite having grown up in Norman, I didn’t connect with its people or culture until I was able to see it through the lens of a reporter. I worked at the Daily as a sports reporter, city reporter and news editor.
In 2024, I worked as a fellow for the Carnegie Knight News 21 program. There, I spent the summer of 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona, researching the state of American democracy.
During the summer of 2025, I was a reporting intern at The Tulsa World where I got to learn a little about the city. During this time, I had the pleasure of connecting with folks at The Eagle, and was offered the opportunity to be a part of its vision in bringing new life to the historic newspaper by providing Tulsans with free and accessible reporting.
Before this summer, I had only stepped foot in the city once in my life. In my short time here, I’ve enjoyed getting to know its people. I’m hoping to continue my effort to provide its residents with accurate information.
Where can you find me in Tulsa?
Though I am still finding my places in Tulsa, you can find me walking around the Historic Greenwood District, inside Magic City Books and any local movie theater. I am still looking for the best thrift stores and places I can play basketball.
Journalistic ethics
I am committed to being fair and accurate with my reporting, and will be transparent in my coverage and interviews. My goal is to keep residents informed on what is going on in their neighborhoods.