What Can Happen When We Lose Our Democracy
Dec. 1: Pentagon Reporters Discuss Press Freedom
Dec. 3: Soccer in the USA Symposium
Dec. 6: Remembering the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Dec. 8: Atoms for Peace, a Discussion of Science Diplomacy
Dec. 17: Why D.C. Has Largest Racial Gap in Life Expectancy
True: Slavery Was More Extensive in Latin America Than in U.S.
From New York: Media Watch (Added Nov. 23)
JOBS
From these journalist organizations
From Rebecca Aguilar
From the Poynter Institute
From the Uproot Project
Request From Erica Loewe, a Former Press Contact with the Biden Administration
From Josie Gonsalves, Public Square Amplified
From Society of Professional Journalists
From Investigative Project on Race and Equity
From National Society of Newspaper Columnists
From Sarah Glover at WHYY, Philadelphia
From Indeed via Todd Steven Burroughs
From Penn State: Dean Sought for Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
Homepage image: Brendan Loper drew this cartoon for The New Yorker, captioned, “When They Go High, We Cave.”
Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, convened a group of diversity advocates in January and said, “Let us commit today that we are prepared to lead a massive resistance movement.” (Credit: National Urban League)
Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, and Tara Murray, executive director of its Washington Bureau and senior vice president for policy and advocacy, are joining our Journal-isms Roundtable Monday on “How Trump Has Affected Newsroom Diversity — and What We Can Do About It.”
The Roundtable takes place by Zoom at 7 p.m. Eastern on Monday, Nov 24, and is to be simulcast on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RPjournalisms/
Morial has been with us before, most notably when we discussed “How to counter the assault on diversity, equity and inclusion” in April 2024.
But most significantly, earlier in the year, he convened a coalition of diversity advocates, and in May, said he was “trying to figure out a way” to attract the National Association of Black Journalists and National Newspaper Publishers Association, trade group for the Black press, to his alliance.
We’ll hear an update on that invitation.
At the Nov. 1 NABJ board meeting, Treasurer Jasmine Styles said, “Extreme times call for extreme measures,” calling for changes in planned spending and innovative ways to raise revenue, such as banding together with groups in other fields similarly affected by the anti-DEI climate.
Entrepreneurial journalist Roland Martin, newly elected vice president-digital, said, “We have to stop members thinking as employees — they are CEOs of their careers. It’s a business conversation. We need members who can talk about the business of journalism. We have to prepare for more contraction.” Under Trump, “there will be more mergers,” he said.
Our panelists:
- Mary Cavallaro, chief broadcast officer, news & broadcast, SAG-AFTRA
- Errin Haines, president, National Association of Black Journalists
- Martin G. Reynolds, co-executive director, Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education
- Jon Scheuss, president of The NewsGuild-CWA, or a representative
Other authoritative voices will be “in the room,” such as:
- Larry Goldbetter, president, National Writers Union
- Caroline Hendrie, executive director, Society of Professional Journalists
- David Honig, president emeritus and founder, Multicultural Media, Telecom & Internet Council, which fights for broadcast ownership by people of color.
- Diana R Fuentes, executive director, Investigative Reporters & Editors
- Tracie Powell, CEO, The Pivot Fund https://thepivotfund.org/
- Kat Stafford, global race and justice editor, Reuters
In addition, we will toast Mia Moody, PhD., (pictured) of Baylor University, winner of the 2025 Barry Bingham Sr. fellowship award for an educator advancing diversity in journalism. This is the first year the award has been under Journal-isms’ stewardship.
What Can Happen When We Lose Our Democracy
“One journalist was targeted by smear campaigns. Another was rumored to have been wanted for arrest. And a third’s newsroom was raided and shut down by authorities — twice,” says the LatAm Journalism Review, a project of the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas at the University of Texas at Austin.
“The repression forced them to flee their countries, but even from exile these three journalists remain committed to reporting what’s happening back home. They shared their stories with an online crowd of almost 200 people in a panel held on Nov. 18 by the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas.
“ ‘Voices in Exile: Journalism, Resistance, & Resilience in Latin America’ featured Luz Mely Reyes, co-founder of Efecto Cocuyo of Venezuela; César Castro Fagoaga, co-founder of Revista Factum of El Salvador, and Carlos Fernando Chamorro, founder of Confidencial of Nicaragua. . . .”
Panelists said what they experienced demonstrates what can happen when citizens lose their democracy — and that journalists are canaries in the coal mine. And that yes, it can happen here.
You can watch the video of the discussion above.
Dec. 1: Pentagon Reporters Discuss Press Freedom
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“When nearly all Pentagon journalists returned their credentials and walked out rather than accept new restrictions on coverage, several of those taking a stand were alumni of the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Their message was clear: press freedom matters and they remain committed to keeping the public informed and the U.S. Department of War accountable. “Join the Journalism Alumni Network (JAN), in association with the Society of Professional Journalists, for an inspiring virtual conversation with these outstanding journalists, moderated by Dean Emerita Lucy Dalglish, former executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Hear from Jamie McIntyre (Washington Examiner), Idrees Ali (Reuters), Dan Lamothe (The Washington Post) and Olivia Logan (Communications Specialist, Department of War) as they share their firsthand accounts of courage, integrity and the ongoing efforts to support transparency in government. “Please reach out with any questions to journalism@umd.edu or jouralumnetwork@umd.edu. We hope to see you there!” |
Dec. 3: Soccer in the USA Symposium
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20th Annual Povich Symposium |
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Soccer in the USA: |
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Wednesday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m. |
“The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism presents its 20th annual Povich Symposium, which will feature Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber and soccer stars-turned-broadcasters Cobi Jones and Taylor Twellman.
“ ‘Soccer in the USA: World Cup ’26 and Beyond’ will welcome soccer leaders and media members to discuss where the sport stands in the United States — and where it is headed.
“The first panel will feature Don Garber, commissioner of Major League Soccer, in conversation with John Ourand ’89, sports media reporter for Puck.
“The second panel will include:
“Taylor Twellman, Maryland Athletics Hall of Famer and soccer commentator
“Cobi Jones, former USMNT midfielder and soccer commentator
“Sasho Cirovski, Maryland men’s soccer coach
“Steven Goff, Yahoo Sports soccer writer
“The discussion will be moderated by Emily Olsen ’17, head of global women’s soccer for The Athletic.”
Dec. 6: Remembering the Montgomery Bus Boycott
CONTACT INFO
The Southern Youth Leadership Development Institute (SYLDI)
315 South Jackson Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 334-356-7067
Email: info (at) syldi.org OR mgmbusboycott (at) syldi.org
FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS
Elevation Convening Center & Hotel
600 Montgomery Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 334-929-0600
Dec. 8: Atoms for Peace, a Discussion of Science Diplomacy
“In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave an emotional speech before the United Nations in which he pledged to use atomic power as a tool for peace rather than for war.,” explains the Atomic Gardening project. “The speech remains controversial as a possible example of disinformation; seeking to control the public’s emotional response to the atomic devastation in which World War II had ended.
“Regardless, it set in process the three main aims of the Atoms for Peace program, as embodied in its seal: advancements in industry, in medicine, and in agriculture. The latter led directly to the funding and development of ‘gamma gardens’ at the US national laboratories that had only lately been used to develop the atom bomb. It also launched a public relations program that sought to educate American citizens about ‘Atoms for Peace’ via posters, newsreels, and traveling road shows. . . . ”
From Adam Powell: “You and all of our Journal-isms friends are invited to join a lunch forum on Monday, December 8, at 12 noon EST, on the anniversary of President Eisenhower’s 1953 ‘Atoms for Peace’ speech at the United Nations, a discussion of the history and current policies of science diplomacy.
“The program will take place on line and in person at the George Washington University Elliott School, 1957 E Street NW in Washington DC. Light lunch will be available at 11:40.
“Speakers will include:
“-Meredith Sleichter, Executive Director, The Eisenhower Foundation
“-Dr. Najmedin Meshkati, Professor, Department of Civil/Environmental Engineering and Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Southern California, who teaches about Ike’s speech, bio: https://viterbi.usc.edu/
“-Dr. Lawrence Jones, Senior Vice President, International Programs, Edison Electric Institute https://www.eei.org/-/media/
‘- the Annenberg Center for Communication Leadership and Policy, University of Southern California;
“- the Eisenhower Foundation;
” – the George Washington University Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication;
“- the Public Diplomacy Council of America; and
“- the University of Southern California Center on Public Diplomacy
“We look forward to hearing from you and hope to see you on December 8th.
“Regards,
“Adam”
Adam Clayton Powell III
Executive Director, USC Election Cybersecurity Initiative, and
Director, Annenberg Center Washington Programs
USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership and Policy
University of Southern California, and
Co-Host, “White House Chronicle” weekly on PBS, SiriusXM and https://whchronicle.com/
Dec. 17: Why D.C. Has Largest Racial Gap in Life Expectancy
“Please join us for a conversation with Sanyu Mojola (pictured), Princeton Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs and Maurice P. During Professor of Demographic Studies, and Eugene Robinson (pictured below), long-time columnist and current political analyst at MSNBC, to discuss Washington D.C., the historical and contemporary health of its residents, and the future of the city.
“In her latest book ‘Death by Design,’ Mojola examines why Washington, D.C. has the nation’s largest racial life expectancy gap, and why it has hosted many of the nation’s worst epidemics, including maternal and infant mortality, homicide, heroin overdoses, and HIV/AIDS. From Washington’s founding in the 1700s to the present, Mojola’s book examines how the city’s physical, social, and policy design contribute to the production and reproduction of disproportionate death among African Americans.”
“Wednesday, December 17, 2025
“6:00 – 8:00 PM
Doors open 5:30 PM
“Program 6:00 – 7:15 PM
“(Guests must be seated by 6:00pm)
“Drinks, Appetizers, and Book Signing to follow
“– Books on sale via our friends from Politics & Prose –
“Princeton SPIA DC Center
“Dupont Circle
“The Rooftop @ 1333 New Hampshire Ave, NW
“Washington, DC”
Enslaved people at a coffee farm in Paraíba Valley, Brazil (c1882) by Mark Ferrez. (Courtesy Instituto Moreira Salles)
True: Slavery Was More Extensive in Latin America Than in U.S.
Those who attended our Feb. 10 Journal-isms Roundtable, “Are the media accurately covering Black-Latino relations?” or who are simply interested in the subject, might find more enlightenment in a new 5,000-word piece by Howard University history professor Ana Lucia Araujo in Aenon, “The deepest South Slavery in Latin America, on a huge scale, was different from that in the United States. Why don’t we know this history?”
Araujo writes, “Academia in the US [emphasizes] what is basically a Global North and Anglocentric perspective on the history of modern slavery. This global perspective has contributed to focusing on the US as the most important slave society in the Americas.
Twenty-six people were in person at the Journal-isms Roundtable at Syracuse University’s Washington, D.C., campus, while another 27 were on Zoom. (Credit: Sharon Farmer/sfphotoworks)
“In other ways, most ways, US slavery was not especially peculiar. Africans and their descendants were enslaved across the entire western hemisphere, including in present-day Chile, Canada and Bolivia. Most enslaved Africans were transported to Latin America. Historians estimate that Brazil alone imported approximately 4.8 million enslaved men, women and children, representing nearly half of the 10.5 million enslaved Africans who disembarked alive in the Americas between 1501 and 1866. These figures contrast with the estimated 388,000 enslaved Africans who disembarked in the US during the same period. . . .
“Scholars of slavery know about this huge disparity between the number of Africans transported to the Americas for slavery versus how many ended up in the US, but it is not popular or common knowledge. Since the 1960s, and still today, most university programs and departments studying the history of slavery are in the US. The largest academic book industry in slavery studies is also in the US. The size and strength of the North American university system has no rival. The global visibility of the US civil rights movement, in the aftermath of the Second World War, also contributed in major ways to the extraordinary strength and vitality of scholarly research into slavery.
“The Black population of Latin America hasn’t enjoyed any of these powerful cultural and intellectual institutions producing their history. . . .”
- Teresa de Miguel, Associated Press: Communities of slave descendants in Brazil demand recognition of territories
From New York: Media Watch
“Red Carpet rolled out/Black Tie Dinner for Saudi Crown Prince whom US Intelligence says probably ordered the murder/dismemberment of WAPO Columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Not surprising since the Host himself is now responsible for the extrajudicial murders of at least 83 persons. (This man has turned the country, not just the White House, into an immoral cesspool). Many Tech Bros/Business Titans attended continuing their Suck Up to the bloated Orange Julius who continues to verbally threaten/insult female WHouse female Reporters, calling Bloomberg’s Catherine Lucey “Piggy.” (Guess he never sees himself in a mirror). Plus, more on the TechBros buying up mainstream media to push their Oligarchic Agenda.” (Added Nov. 23)
JOBS
From these journalist organizations
From Rebecca Aguilar
Journalism Job Openings: The November List
“Calling all journalists! More than 100 jobs in journalism are listed in my November newsletter. And I have also included several internships.
“Make sure you look over my October list, because not all those jobs have been filled. Thank you to all of you generous people who contributed a job opening to the list. I appreciate you.
“I appreciate the ‘likes’ on my post, but I would rather you REPOST to get the information to those in your network who need work. If you happen to know of a job opening, please post it in the comments or DM me, and I will add it to this list and update it. . . .”
From the Poynter Institute
- Senior Statehouse Reporter, State Affairs, Sacramento, CA
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Managing Editor, New Jersey Hills Media Group, Whippany, NJ
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Managing Editor, Ingram’s, Kansas City, MO
From the Uproot Project
Job Opportunities
- El Confidential, Science Reporter (Madrid)
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The Examination, Investigative Editor
- The LA Times, Energy and Climate Reporter
- Apple News, Weekend Editor, Weather and Climate
- USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism, Collaborative Editor
- Grist, Regional Reporter, Interlochen
Fellowships & Grants
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Grist, Rural reporting grants (deadline Dec. 3)
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National Press Foundation, Widening the Pipeline Fellowship (deadline Dec. 14)
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Sloan Foundation, YouTube and TikTok program
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The Ida B. Wells Society, Investigative Reporting Internship (deadline Jan. 3)
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AHCJ, National Science-Health-Environment Reporting Fellowships (deadline Dec 15)
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Sierra Club, Editorial Fellow
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Audubon Magazine, Editorial Fellow
Other resources
- NPR, Next Gen Radio
- Calendar for paid internships & fellowships (courtesy of Mandy Hofmockel’s Substack for journalism jobs)
- National Press Photographers Foundation, Grants & Scholarships
- Pitching Science Friday
- ProPublica, Freelance Pitch Form
Request From Erica Lowe, a Former Press Contact with the Biden Administration
“I’m reaching out because several HBCU communications students we hosted at the White House for mock press briefings are looking for summer internships.
“If you’re hiring or aware of upcoming opportunities for this talented group to get real world experience in communications, broadcast media, research, speechwriting, public affairs, digital strategy, and/or related fields, I would love to pass this information along.
“These students come with impressive writing samples, reels, and portfolios (far more than I had at their age). All they need now is someone to open a door.
“Please feel free to send any leads my way and I will share directly with them.”
She is at ericapatriceloewe (at) gmail.com
From Josie Gonsalves, Public Square Amplified
“Public Square Amplified is a small local nonprofit award-winning newsroom headquartered in Newark, NJ, covering Newark and the surrounding towns; however we have published national and international pieces, as well.
“We want to deepen our reporting and content production. For example, I have a investigative fellowship with IRE [Investigative Reporters & Editors] to investigate how federal cuts to address climate change actions are impacting low-wealth communities in Newark and would like to work with an experienced reporter on it — we are willing to pay $1,000 (minimum) for this assignment, which is covered under the Freelance job description below.
“Here are some urgent openings for anyone you may know:
“1. Part-time Contributing Editor
From Society of Professional Journalists
“The Villages Daily Sun in Florida is hiring a sports reporter. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least six months of related experience, either in college journalism or outside experience with a daily newspaper, is required. Experience with sports writing preferred.
“The Las Vegas Review-Journal is seeking a digital content producer. A degree in journalism, multimedia arts, communications or equivalent with a minimum of three years’ experience required. To apply, email a resume to the human resources department.
“The Butler Eagle in Pennsylvania is hiring a managing editor. A bachelor’s degree in journalism, English or a related field is required. Candidates must have at least 10 years of experience writing and editing. To apply, email a resume and cover letter.
“Looking for journalism jobs and internships? Check out the SPJ Career Center. And if you have a job you’d like to advertise in Leads, check out the SPJ media kit.”
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From Investigative Project on Race and Equity — Chicago Residents Take Note
“About the Organization
“The Investigative Project on Race and Equity is a mission-driven nonprofit news organization committed to producing impactful investigative journalism through collaboration, data analysis and a focus on racial and social equity. In addition to reporting, the organization invests in training the next generation of journalists — particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds — through mentorship, hands-on experience and professional development.
“About the Position
“The full-time executive director manages the operational and financial aspects of the Investigative Project on Race and Equity. Duties include supervising and managing staff, budgeting, preparing accurate financial reports for the Board of Directors, and supervising communications, collaborations, training and fundraising activities.
“The executive director reports to the Board of Directors and supports the work of an active group of volunteers, known as the Advisory Council. The Executive Director will have four direct reports: Director of Engagement, Training Coordinator, Editorial Director and a development consultant.
“Chicago area residence is required.
Visit mortengroup.com/executive-
Ari Wilson
Project Associate
they/them/theirs
[Wilson messaged Nov. 21: “This application is still open! The best consideration date is December 5.”]
From National Society of Newspaper Columnists
“Courthouse News is seeking a reporter in the Houston area to summarize legal complaints daily in the Harris County Law Court and to summarize appellate opinions. The reporter will also have the opportunity to pitch and write stories about news happening in and around the courthouse in the Houston area. Competitive pay is offered for between 30 and 40 hours per week and benefits are available. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume in Word or PDF format to Madison Venza, Southern Bureau Chief, at mvenza (at) courthousenews.com, and attach 3-5 writing samples.
“The Butler Eagle is actively searching for a managing editor to oversee day-to-day planning and publication of stories and content for our six-day a week daily Butler Eagle plus our weekly Cranberry Eagle and monthly Butler County Business Matters. This unique position requires the candidate to possess an entrepreneurial spirit to help us grow a dynamic community news ecosystem focused on delivering original reporting and coverage. The Butler Eagle is an equal opportunity employer located in Butler, Pennsylvania If you are interested in this position and meet the qualification, please submit your resume along with a cover letter to Tammy Schuey at tschuey (at) butlereagle.com.
From Sarah Glover at WHYY, Philadelphia
Temporary full-time news editor
From Indeed via Todd Steven Burroughs
iOne Digital
New York, NY
Senior Editor, MadameNoire
$65,000 – $75,000 a year
Regularly contribute, assign and edit original pieces and provocative opinion editorials to MadameNoire. Attend and cover relevant events, TV show and movie…
Sirius XM
Washington, DC
$21 an hour
“No matter their individual role, each of our employees plays a vital part in bringing SiriusXM’s vision to life every day.”
From Penn State: Dean Sought for Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
“As one of the largest accredited mass communications programs of its kind in the U.S., the Bellisario College offers the resources of an R1 institution with the personalized support and environment of a small school. , , ,
