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Save the Date: June 2 for Journalists Confronting Family Histories That Include Slavery

by richard01404

Separately, in D.C.: A presentation on researching your family history
Video Posted on ‘Movement’s’ Lessons for Journalists
Services for Kenneth Walker Set for May 23 at Catholic U.
May 14: Poynter, NABJ Celebrate Their 50ths
May 14: From Online News Association
May 17: Town Hall, WPFW in D.C.
This Weekend: Malcolm X 100th Birthday Celebrations
Congrats to Miranda Spivack, Roundtable Regular
June 5: Women’s Media Awards
From New York: Media Watch for May 12
June 8 Deadline for Maynard Regional Training Series
June 10: Society for Professional Journalists – D.C.
June 11: A’Lelia Bundles at D.C.’s Martin Luther King Library
June 27: Medill Midwest Solutions Journalism Summit
Roy Lewis: In and Around the News Business for 70 Years

Jobs

Homepage photo: Children of Lee Hawkins’ great-great grandfather, Private Isaac Blakey, on their family farm in Missouri, which the family purchased shortly after enslaved people were emancipated in the U.S. Blakey himself endured slavery for 16 years before joining to fight for the Union in the Civil War. (Photos courtesy Lee Hawkins)

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Donations are tax-deductible

Bobbi Bowman searches through records at the Campbell County, Va., Courthouse in Rustburg on Feb. 7, 2018. (Credit: Jay Westcott/News & Advance)

Notices 5-13-25

Hello, all,

Our next Roundtable takes place by Zoom at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, June 2. The topic is “Black Journalists Confronting Family Histories That Include Slavery.”

If all goes as planned, the session will be simulcast on Facebook at < https://www.facebook.com/RPjournalisms/ > and posted afterward on the Journal-isms YouTube channel.

Our panelists are:

Bobbi Bowman speaks to the D.C. chapter of the African American Historical and Genealogical Society in January 2024 about how her family survived slavery. (Credit: YouTube)

“How one man (Bobbi’s 2nd Great Grandfather) bought his own freedom in 1842 Virginia then allowed himself to be sold back into slavery in order to be close to his wife and family in Campbell County, VA. . . . “

“An astounding multigenerational saga, Red Clay chronicles the interwoven lives of an enslaved Black family and their white owners as the Civil War ends and Reconstruction begins. . . . ”

“I Am Nobody’s Slave tells the story of one Black family’s pursuit of the American Dream through the impacts of systemic racism and racial violence. This book examines how trauma from enslavement and Jim Crow shaped their outlook on thriving in America, influenced each generation, and how they succeeded despite these challenges. . . .”

“Bibb Country follows Lonnae O’Neal back in time as she pieces together generations of her family history against the sweep of American history, unearthing hidden triumphs, traumas, and a specialty strain of lettuce along the way. . . .”

In addition, John Yearwood will provide a brief update on plans for the Fallen Journalists Memorial on the National Mall. “With the very idea of press freedom under attack in many parts of the world, it is more important than ever that we establish a physical presence in the heart of the nation’s capital to educate millions of visitors and future generations about the critical role of the free press as a pillar of democracy,” project director Vince Randazzo has said.

Who’s in?

Zoom information will come later in the month, after RSVPs.

Those not viewing this via the Journal-isms or Journal-isms Roundtables listserves may RSVP via jroundtable5 (at) gmail.com. Others can just hit “Reply.”

Separately, in D.C. . . .

Ward 6 | Southwest Library  
Southwest - SOWNational Museum of African American History | Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. Join librarians from the Robert Frederick Smith Explore Your Family History Center of the National Museum of African American History as they give a presentation on researching your family history. 

Video Posted on ‘Movement’s’ Lessons for Journalists

The video of our April 30 Roundtable, “What the Civil Rights Movement Can Teach Journalists About Dealing With Trump and Trumpism,” has been posted. We also celebrated the life of Kenneth Walker and toasted Eugene Robinson. Column: What ‘The Movement’ Can Teach Journalists – journal-isms.com

Video: https://youtu.be/bZ9VmLX8HcY

Veteran D.C. television journalists Sam Ford and Maureen Bunyan produced this brief video on Kenneth Walker, shown at the April 30 Journal-isms Roundtable. (Credit: YouTube)

Services for Kenneth Walker Set for May 23 at Catholic U.

Kenneth Walker, the veteran journalist whose international outlook led him to live and work for 16 years in South Africa in a career that included work with the Washington Star, NPR, ABC News and the short-lived “USA Today: The Television Show,” received a 1,200-word obituary May 9 from Sam Roberts in The New York Times.

It followed one May 2 from Adam Bernstein in The Washington Post, which had at first declined to publish one.

The TImes headline was, “Kenneth Walker Dies at 73; His Journalism Bared Apartheid’s Brutality.”

A memorial service is scheduled for Catholic University in Washington from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, May 23, at Heritage Hall. Walker, a member of the Journal-isms Roundtable Strategy Committee, also made a cameo appearance May 11 on CBS’ “Sunday Morning” (video) in its roster of people who have recently died. He’s at 31:47 on the video.]

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Poynter (@poynter_institute)

May 14: Poynter, NABJ Celebrate Their 50ths

Speakers include:
 Neil Brown, President, Poynter Institute
 Ken Lemon, President, NABJ

Panelists include:
 Battinto Batts, Dean and professor at Arizona State University
 Lori Waldon, President and General Manager, KOAT TV
🔷 Anzio Williams, EVP, Talent, Strategic Initiatives & Team Impact for NBCUniversal Local

Moderated by:
 Eric Deggans, TV critic and news analyst, NPR
 Kenya Woodard, Co-host, Front Page Tampa Bay

Register here

May 14: From Online News Association

ONA Weekly No. 558

Don’t snooze on Early Bird passes to ONA25! 

Confirm your plans to gather with the journalism community this Sept. 10-13 in New Orleans.
Two-part training on AI for freelance journalists

We’re offering two opportunities specifically for freelancers to learn ways to leverage AI tools to streamline the reporting process. Add them to your calendar:

Led by Mike Reilley, the 60-minute AI for Freelancers Training on May 14 will cover the basics of writing prompts and examples of integrating AI to help with story pitches, workflow, FOIA requests and research. You’ll leave the session with a guide with practice exercises and plenty more resources to explore.

Then, join us again for the AI Mini-Lab for Freelancers on June 4 for a low-stakes, 45-minute play session to practice alongside your peers.

Registration is free for both sessions, thanks to generous support from AI in Journalism Initiative funders Microsoft, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and The Joyce Foundation.

May 17: Town Hall, WPFW in D.C.

WPFW Town Hall: Still We Rise!
Saturday, May 17 | 12:00–2:30 PM
New Bethany Baptist Church, 1300 10th St NW, Washington, DC

Join us for a powerful and inspiring gathering as WPFW’s Local Station Board hosts a Town Hall Meeting you won’t want want to miss!

Under the banner “WPFW – Still We Rise!”, we come together in strength and solidarity to celebrate 48 years of community-powered radio. Meet station leadership, Pacifica National Board representatives, beloved programmers, and LSB volunteers as we discuss:

  • Station finances and sustainability
  • Ongoing challenges in today’s climate
  • Upcoming celebrations and milestones

We have also launched our Spring Drive, and we’re looking to you — our dedicated listeners — to help fuel the next chapter. The dates are May 3rd through May 19th.  Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a first-time donor, this is the perfect moment to renew your commitment or become a new member of the WPFW family.

Through trials and triumphs, still we rise — uplifting peace, justice, cultural expression, and the music that moves our souls. Come be part of the rhythm of change, the voice of the people, and the light that cuts through darkness.

Bring your ideas. Bring your energy. Bring a friend.
This is the place to be. We are looking forward to meeting you on May 17th!

Visit wpfwfm.org for updates and ways to give.

This Weekend: Malcolm X 100th Birthday Celebrations

This weekend marks the culmination of the 100th birthday commemorations for Malcolm X, although some started earlier in the year and others will continue after the weekend. Here are just a few:

Congrats to Miranda Spivack, Roundtable Regular

June 5: Women’s Media Awards

More here

From New York: Media Watch for May 12

Hosts:
Alan Singer, PhD, Robert Anthony, and Eric V Tait Jr.

“Subject: A hat-tip to Colleague Chuck Stone for his posthumously awarded Pulitzer Prize citation, before we explore some of the stories being overlooked even as the tRUMP craziness gobbles up all the News Oxygen: e.g. Israeli actions and ‘plans’ in and for Gaza’s residents; Ukraine’s attempts to still defend itself against Russia’s invasion even as our ‘Keystone Kop’ Defense Secretary Hegseth screws-up getting already authorized weapons to them (needlessly costing us millions of dollars for that fiasco), and his attempts to switch the negative narrative by firing a slew of top ranked Military Leaders; how his boss in the WHouse is trying to distract from his negative poll numbers by tossing out wild ideas about sending Migrants to Rwanda and Libya and re-opening Alcatraz as an active prison to hold, presumably, allegedly, the worst of the worst criminal element of those Migrants?? And, a quick primer on the upcoming NYC Mayoralty Primary.”

June 8 Deadline for Maynard Regional Training Series

I’m reaching out to announce that registration is now open for the second round of the Maynard Regional Training Series, to be held July 17-18, 2025 at UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

This program will provide specialized instruction, hands-on coaching, and robust discussions, aimed to advance proficiency and confidence in these roles.

It’s open to entry-level and mid-career editors and managers working in any platform – print, broadcast and digital. 

We’re excited to invite you, your colleagues and contacts in the journalism community. Thank you for considering, and/or helping us spread the word for this professional advancement opportunity.

This training event is hosted by UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media and the Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media. It will be held at the university’s Freedom Forum Conference Center at Carroll Hall.

The weekend-long training will feature sessions from outstanding faculty on topics such as:

    • Authenticity in management

    • Strengthening the editor-reporter relationship

    • AI for Audience

    • Hands-on editing

    • Ethical editorial decision making

    • Maynard’s Fault Lines® methodology and its Impact on news coverage

Capping the training is a regional roundtable of news leaders to discuss ongoing challenges in newsrooms, and their approaches to coverage and leadership in a climate of rapid change.

Registration for this program is $50. We’ve introduced this fee to encourage committed participation, ensuring we can deliver the best possible training experience for everyone involved. 

Participants will be responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses as applicable. The Maynard Institute will provide information soon regarding a potential hotel discount.

In gratitude,

Odette Alcazaren-Keeley
Director, Maynard Communities of Practice and Maynard Regional Training 
Maynard Institute for Journalism Education
okeeley@mije.org

June 10: Society for Professional Journalists – D.C.

More here (Please check for updates,)

Register

June 11: A’Lelia Bundles at D.C.’s Martin Luther King Library

Join us at the MLK Library for an Author talk with A’Lelia Bundles for the release of her new book Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance.

“A’Lelia Bundles is the author of Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance (Scribner, June 2025), the first major biography of her great-grandmother, and of On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker, a New York Times Notable Book and bestseller about her great-great-grandmother, an early 20th century hair care industry entrepreneur and philanthropist.   

“She is the founder of the Madam Walker Family Archives, the largest private collection of Walker photographs, memorabilia and ephemera. A’Lelia worked in network television news for thirty years, first at NBC News where she was a producer for news and magazine programs, and then at ABC News where she was a World News Tonight producer, Washington, DC deputy bureau chief and director of talent development. . . .”

June 27: Medill Midwest Solutions Journalism Summit

“The Medill Midwest Solutions Journalism Hub invites journalists, storytellers and media professionals to join our transformative Summer Summit on Friday, June 27, 2025 at our downtown campus at 303 E. Wacker Drive, 16th Floor.

“This will be a day of immersive learning and collaborative problem-solving dedicated to strengthening journalism’s impact. We are thrilled to announce the Field Foundation as an event sponsor. Beginning with an optional pre-conference introduction to solutions journalism fundamentals, the summit features an interactive workshop on Conflict As a Force for Growth, where participants will learn practical techniques for transforming high conflict into constructive dialogue in their reporting.

“The day continues with a powerful dialogue between exonerated Chicagoan Robert Johnson and Pulitzer Prize-winner Alison Flowers, whose investigative work helped secure Johnson’s freedom — a compelling case study in journalism that dismantles systemic injustice. This discussion will be moderated by Amber Payne, publisher of The Emancipator, a digital publication that reimagines early abolitionist newspapers for a new day. . . .”

Register here

(Credit: YouTube)

Roy Lewis: In and Around the News Business for 70 Years

Introducing a new podcast from Sam Ford, who retired in 2023 as a reporter for Washington’s WJLA-TV after 36 years. Sam is also a co-founder of the National Association of Black Journalists and, perhaps lesser known, a member of the Cherokee Freedmen, descendants of Africans enslaved by the Cherokee Nation.

Roy Lewis, inducted last year into the NABJ Hall of Fame, “at 87 is still a working newspaper photographer [at the Washington Informer]. He has been in and around the news business since he was 17 years old.

“In this podcast he shares stories in his life from growing up in Mississippi, moving to Chicago and working for Ebony and Jet. His assignments include included the Ali-Foreman flight ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in Africa.”

JOBS

From these journalist organizations

From LinkedIn:

 
Deputy Washington Editor, NBC News Digital Washington, DC (On-site)
Digital Platforms Producer, MSNBC· Washington, DC (On-site)

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    • The Washington Post logo Tech Policy Reporter The Washington Post
      • Washington, DC (On-site)$122.5K/yr – $204.1K/yr · 401(k) benefit

        •  

      • Washington, DC Reporter Democracy Docket

  •  
  • From Jennie Johnson agency [Added May 14] 
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      The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is a prominent organization dedicated to advocating for Black journalists and media…
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      Freelance Journalist / Researcher – North America
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