Where Is the Love in Journalism?
My mom was doing some recent housecleaning and found an old typed letter. It was something my grandma had written many years ago.?
This is what it said:
"Wife Beating N in the Hood" was very well addressed by your intern, Shawn Sullivan in his editorial of your July 5th edition.
Wife beaters are cowards and as such can be compared to the craven house dogs as depicted in the quote below from:
Michael de Montaigne 1533-1592
in
COWARDICE, THE MOTHER OF CRUELTY
"In their own kennels, craven house dogs will tug and snap at the skin of a wild beast, which in the fields they would not so much as dare to bark at."
I agree with Shawn that unfortunately there aren't any quick fixes for his five sisters and the countless women, who face these cowards in our society today. However, I'm hopeful for change and I'm encouraged by this fact, that we are all very much aware of, in that "drunks" and "smokers" no longer make good copy for our advertisements, entertainment and music.
Rap music is the popular companion of so many of our young men and teenagers today. Couldn't the rap lyrics be written in words, which would be morally and socially acceptable standards of imitation? Change the words to appeal to the male ego by portraying the young man of our day as a hero in glorifying his deeds of courage, bravery, valor, truthfulness, responsibility, courtesy and most importantly LOVE.? The constant beat of the music along with these valiant words must in time impregnate the mind of the "WIFE BEATER" so that he can conduct and accept himself as someone he can love.?
"Life imitates Art" …Market to high ideals…"N the Hood" will respond.??
Grandma
Glendale, California
My grandma wrote this in the mid-1980s or early 1990s. We don't know what publication she was referencing. It could have been anything from a local newspaper to The Wall Street Journal.
She loved to be informed and had her pulse on what was happening at all levels of society, from her neighborhood news to national affairs, world markets, and the global stage.
She was really enlightened and way ahead of the times.
I remember she took me, my younger sister, and my younger brother to see Breakin' at a movie theater when the movie was released in 1984. Breakin' was about breakdancing and featured plenty of rap music.
I loved rap, breakdancing, and hip-hop culture from its early days. My grandma was concerned about its power to influence society. She wasn't wrong.
In the 1990s, there was a lot of conscious rap with intelligent lyrics and positive messages. But most radio stations and mainstream channels did not promote this rap music, and it didn't get much (if any) airtime.?
Mass media pushed the negative music and stereotypes, often glorifying violence, crime, drugs, alcohol, and misogyny. The rap music heard on mainstream channels offered a very narrow view of the world, which described predominantly Black and Brown communities. The songs did not tell the whole story of these communities, celebrate their achievements, or uplift them.
Forty years later, little has changed with mass media and mainstream journalism. If it bleeds it leads remains the editorial directive of many daily newsrooms. They still are pushing a limited, sensationalistic worldview and perpetuating false narratives. They are not telling the whole story of underserved communities or meeting their news and information needs.
Many high ideals remain missing from media coverage.
? Courage
? Truthfulness
? Responsibility
? Courtesy
? Love
But compassion and care are not missing from all media coverage today.
Many smaller, independent, community-centered media outlets are doing great journalism and showing the best of humanity in their work. Audiences are responding.
The best journalism today serves the community, listens to the community, and creates two-way engagement channels, giving communities the news and information they want and need to be informed and make informed decisions.
Hearing directly from readers and audiences is an important part of journalism. Giving a platform for voices from the community to be heard, especially underserved voices, can be a valuable source of information and help strengthen communities.
This practice started with letters to the editors, which have been part of American newspapers since the 18th century. As Jean Godden wrote in the Post Alley :
Many of the earliest newspaper reports were delivered in the form of letters. The famed 1735 trial against early-day publisher John Peter Zenger for seditious libel was the result of Zenger printing an anonymous letter criticizing William Cosby, the Crown-appointed governor of New York. Andrew Hamilton, Zenger’s lawyer, persuaded the jury to acquit Zenger and find that truth is a defense against libel. That case inserted press freedom into this country’s laws, leading to First Amendment protections.
My grandma was commenting on articles before commenting became a ubiquitous part of our digital lives and social media culture.
Letters to the editor, comments, and reader content continue to be a valuable service to readers. They are a great way for everyday citizens to have their voices heard. But not every publication or media outlet values reader content.?
We need more reader content and community enagement in journalism. Not less.
My grandma loved to serve others. Whether it was whipping up bacon and eggs with hash browns and homemade toast on a Tuesday afternoon or making a full-course Thanksgiving feast, service was her mission.
She was the most selfless and giving person I have ever known. She was all about solutions and did countless acts of kindness. One act of generosity epitomizes her spirit of giving. She had six grandkids, and every holiday and birthday, she gave every grandkid a $100 check. Starting when we were little kids, 5 or 6 years old, and going to age 18. She did this for over 20 years and gifted tens of thousands of dollars.
Her love was agape love. This is the highest form of love . It is unconditional. Not based on a response. The kind of love that gives without expecting anything in return. A love that serves others and is intended for everyone.?
It is the best kind of love.
My grandma, Muriel Bergstrom, passed away on Oct. 28, 2010, at the age of 93.
Her spirit of giving, service, and love will live forever.
Some journalism organizations are living up to this high ideal, serving communities, giving communities a place for their voices to be heard, and creating solutions.
We need more of this kind of journalism.
This kind of journalism can change lives .
This kind of journalism can create a world where everyone can thrive.
People Respond to Caring
We are seeing the power of community-centered journalism.?
On Oct. 19, the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation participated in Phillips Clean Sweep at Stewart Park in Minneapolis. The annual event brings together the four Phillips neighborhoods in the city for a neighborhood cleanup event in the morning and a resource fair in the afternoon.
As part of the fair, our Youth Community Journalism Institute ran another community newspaper .
Two youth from our youth community journalism team, 15-year-old Jesús Rojas (10th grader) and 14-year-old Christian Flores (ninth grader) ran the community newspaper table, along with a new team member, 14-year-old Yareli Pe?a Howard (eighth grader) and her grandma Aracely Martinez.
Yareli is the perfect example of the need for caring programs with caring adults. A few months ago, Yareli saw her father shot to death. She had a lot of anger and got in trouble with the law. She was arrested and had to do community service.?
As part of her service, her grandma brought Yareli to a community event we co-hosted in September, Harvest Moon Block Party. Yareli took pictures at the event. We created Little Earth News, a community newspaper to celebrate community victories, voices, and solutions.
This time, we created Phillips News. In two hours, over 40 community members, from youth under 10 to elders over 60, contributed four pages of stories in English and Spanish and created Phillips News.
One of those community members who contributed a story was Yareli.
This was her story:
I had so [much] fun today with people. I met so many people and I painted pumpkins.
Carmen Robles, another abuela (grandma) and our youth community journalism partner with Conversaciones de Salud and Jovenes de Salud at Carmen Robles and Associates LLC , said, "This program saved Yareli's life."
We plan to connect Yareli with more mentors and create a program that incorporates art therapy with medical experts, community leaders, and youth journalists to reduce gun violence.
"Gun violence and drugs (opioids/fentanyl) walk hand in hand," said Carmen, who has been working on raising awareness of the opioid crisis for five years. "This can be an extension of the 'opioids' crisis and children's mental health. Win-win."
These were the other stories from Phillips News.
Phillips News, Vol. 1, No. 1 — Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024
Safe bike lanes on the streets.
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Let's make voting a tradition. Get out and vote.
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Good help for people in Minnesota.
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My personal experience was very good. I think everyone should experience helping and transmitting the voice of faith to people.
–Jr.
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So let us not get tired of doing what is good because at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don't give up. (Galatians 6:9)
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Es muy bueno tener este tipo de eventos para nuestra comunidad transmitir noticias y conocer nuevas personas. Me gusta muchos. Muchas gracias a todos que hacen posible estos eventos!!!
–Aracely M.
[It's very good to have this type of events for our community to share news and get to know new people. I like it a lot. Thank you to everyone who make these events possible.!!!]
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Es muy important tener este tipo de eventos que nos traen opportunidades de conectar y colaborar con nuestros vecinos.?
–Virginia, VP EPIC [East Phillips Improvement Coaltion ]
It is so important to have opportunities like this to come together and collaborate as neighbors.
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Connecting with the community
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It was a lot of fun and good music.
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Tener mucha informacion es mucha importancia.
Conocer diferentes programas en la comunidad es grandioso.
[Having a lot of information is very important. Knowing about different programs in the community is wonderful.]
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My neighborhood is fun.
–Walter
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Leaves all over the Twin Cities turn vibrant warm colors! The weekend of Oct. 19-20 is gloriously warm, and the community is at Clean Sweep enjoying the weather.
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Phillips is a key Minneapolis neighborhood with many wonderful people. It's where my children were born.
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Awesome community that helps out everyone.
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Be kind to the earth, to people, to animals, to community.?
–Avory A.
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We have a few Natives Warriors called Many Shield Society Protectors in Phillips. Check them and let them know how they are are doing.
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Phillips is a nice neighborhood.?
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You will never be alone. And everything happens for a reason.
–Fatumah
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I bike through Phillips and love the diversity of the community. Also love the neighborhood involvement in the clean sweep.
–Mark Rappakko
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The oak trees along 13 Ave. are maturing and beautifying the neighborhood. I look forward to their strong branches traversing my street.
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Early voting Oct. 30th , Little Earth gym, 11-8 p.m.
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Remember, Jesus loves you.
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Dios te quiero.
[God loves you.]
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Clean up and pick up trash to help people.
–Willow
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Es muy bonito conocer poquito de todo para estar informado de todo.
[Es very nice to know a little bit about everything to be informed.]
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Bus Stop Guardians. Sign up! Keep our kiddos safe at bus stops.?
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Great place to live. Cross the street from Stewart Park.
–Maria G.
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[Drawing of a house.]
–Reuben
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Water
We loved to see a lot of people involved in this event. Very blessed to be part of it.
–Millie
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Teen Challenge Leadership Institute! Praise the Lord!
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Me encanta que Phillps Neighborhood tiene tantos eventos y recursos para la comunidad. Trabajo en Banyan Community y puedo ver lo maravilloso que es estar envuelto en la comunidad. También, gracias por su trabajo y lo que hacen en su organización.
[I love that Phillips Neighborhood has so many events and resources for the community. I work at Banyan Community and I see it is marvelous to be wrapped in the community. Also, thank you for your work and what you do in your organization.]
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More women are joining law enforcement. Everything is possible.
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Jesus is the light of the world!
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Phillips Park has been my childhood park since I was little. I have a lot of memories here. Keep striving.
–Ansony Jovel R.
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Need more police officers to protect our community.
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Somali
They have good foods that everyone needs to try.
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An (almost) trash free neighborhood.
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For info about repurposing/reuse/repair/thrift/legislation and events!
It was an excellent outreach event and another heartwarming day.
When journalism shows love to communities, communities show love to journalism.
Community Media Ensures All Voices Are Heard
Minneapolis has a long history of community media. On Oct. 17, the city council and mayor passed a resolution celebrating 40 years of public access TV in Minneapolis and recognizing Oct. 20, 2024, as Community Media Day in the city of Minneapolis.
Whereas: The Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 enabled the creation of non-commercial public, educational, and government (PEG) cable TV channels; and?
Whereas: 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of public access TV in Minneapolis, highlighting the importance of community media as a platform for residents to create and amplify their voices; and?
Whereas: The Minneapolis Telecommunications Network (MTN), organized by the City in December 1983, served as the first steward of public access TV until 2020; and?
Whereas: bfreshproductions, LLC, a Minneapolis-based media production company, created and launched SPEAK MPLS in August 2020, to serve as the new steward of public access TV; and?
Whereas: SPEAK MPLS provides training, media equipment, studios, and airtime on three public access channels, ensuring the legacy of vibrant, uncensored speech and freedom of expression; and?
Whereas: The City congratulates SPEAK MPLS on their award-winning work and encourages residents to engage with SPEAK MPLS to access studios, equipment, media education, and watch programming available on SPEAK MPLS TV channels 16, 17 (798 HD), and 75 on Comcast Xfinity; and?
Whereas: SPEAK MPLS plays a crucial role in reimagining the future of media in Minneapolis by providing safe spaces for creativity, ensuring representation for all citizens, and fostering collaboration to improve our city. The City recognizes the important work of past and present leadership, staff, members, and volunteers in ensuring marginalized voices are heard and uplifted; and?
Whereas: Community voices are at the heart of public access TV in Minneapolis, empowering individuals, organizations, and diverse communities—including all ethnic groups, youth, seniors, LGBTQ+, faith communities, disability community and more—to express themselves in multiple languages, and engage in meaningful dialogue; and?
Whereas: Community media is an essential part of our democracy, providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard, fostering transparency, and promoting government accountability by offering citizens the tools to participate actively in the democratic process; and?
Whereas: Community media fosters civic engagement by providing residents a platform to share stories and connect with neighbors, enhancing community understanding and improving our city; and?
Whereas: Community media ensures that all voices, especially those often excluded by mainstream media, are uplifted and heard, promoting cultural awareness and providing training that empowers residents to pursue media careers and transform the industry with diverse perspectives;?
—NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED—?
That the Mayor and City Council do hereby recognize October 20, 2024, as Community Media Day in the City of Minneapolis, celebrating the 40th anniversary of public access TV and community media.
SPEAK MPLS is led by media entrepreneur Rebecca Smith , and it was a big week for SPEAK. In addition to being recognized by the city of Minneapolis, SPEAK MPLS was one of the 205 media organizations across the U.S. that won a $100,000 grant from Press Forward to close local coverage gaps.
All 50 states are represented, and many of the grantees are small, independent, community-centered media organizations serving communities quality journalism with love.
Rediscovering the Common Humanity That Connects Us
The goal of education is enlightenment, a deeper understanding of humanity.
The best journalism and media help us achieve this goal by providing news and information that makes us better people and stronger communities.
We are blessed to have many examples of this kind of journalism and media across Minnesota.
In the Twin Cities, BLCK Press , led by Georgia Fort , is building a sustainable newsroom that advances equity through media and reconnects news to Black culture . "Here's the Truth" is their award-winning show.
BLCK Press is another Press Forward grantee.
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder , established in 1934, is celebrating 90 years of impact this year.
The historic community newspaper has told many impactful stories over the years. A recent one is about Don't Shoot Guns Shoot Hoops (DSGSH), a nonprofit dedicated to ending gun violence.
Don’t Shoot Guns Shoot Hoops will host a fundraising gala on Oct. 26 to support its work in Minneapolis. The event has the theme “Bringing Hope to the City.”
The goal is to have 400 diverse attendees, including community leaders, activists, lawmakers, and those passionate about stopping gun violence. The gala allows attendees to network, build relationships, and increase their visibility within these critical social circles.
"After George Floyd and the pandemic, the city hasn’t been the same," Don't Shoot Guns Shoot Hoops CEO Tommy McBrayer told Cynthia Moothart , the managing editor of the Spokeman-Recorder . "But no matter what trauma we live through, we need to have hope. I’m using my platform to bring hope by fighting the disease of gun violence."
Another person using his platform to make a difference is John Noltner .
Noltner is not your traditional journalist. He is the founder and executive director of A Peace of My Mind , a 501c3 whose mission is to bridge divides and build community through storytelling and art.
A gifted storyteller, Noltner has worked on four continents, gathering stories of human courage, grace, and resilience. He has produced projects for national magazines, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofit organizations.?
A Peace of My Mind is a multimedia arts project that uses portraits and personal stories to bridge divides and build community.?
Through exhibits, workshops, lectures, on-site studios, and distance learning, A Peace of My Mind leads transformative experiences that help a polarized world rediscover the common humanity that connects us.?
Noltner has a three-step process on how to make things better in the world and connect people.
Noltner is having an open house to showcase his work on Oct. 24 at the SPNN (Saint Paul Neighborhood Network) .?
I learned of Noltner's work from Kali Pliego Kali Pliego, a friend and community crime prevention specialist in Minneapolis who was at the Phillips Clean Sweep resource fair.
This is the power of community engagement through community journalism.
On Oct. 24, our Youth Community Journalism Institute also is starting a new podcast series on male youth health. The podcast series will be produced in collaboration Conversaciones de Salud and Jovenes de Salud at Carmen Robles and Associates LLC, and in partnership with The Partnership for Male Youth , led by Dennis J Barbour .?
The podcast series will start with a conversation between Jesús and Christian, the two youth who helped run our community newspaper at Phillips Clean Sweep.
They will discuss the health challenges facing young men today.?
Episode 2 will bring together other youth and their parents for a peer-to-peer discussion.
Episode 3 will engage with medical experts to answer everyone's questions and provide solutions.
These first three episodes will be our pilot and launch in November and December.?
We will record video and audio for the podcast and post on YouTube and podcast platforms. Youth will edit video and audio into highlight clips and PSAs for social channels and radio and TV channels.?
We will continue the series with weekly shows in 2025.?
Youth will come up with health topics and we will talk with youth peer to peer, parents, and medical experts to learn health solutions.
The youth on our community journalism team will be the community heroes my grandma always knew male youth could be.
Don't believe all the doomsday headlines.
Journalism with a heart exists.
You just have to know where to find it.
Once you find it, share it, support it , and help it grow.
Community journalism will make the world a better place .
Author / Speaker / Photographer / Founder at A Peace of My Mind
1 个月Thanks for sharing Eric Ortiz
3x Midwest Emmy Winner, Founder of BLCK Press & President of Center for Broadcast Journalism
1 个月Powerful testimony of how community can support young people like Yareli navigating and processing the world after experiencing something so traumatizing. Thank you for the work you do and for recognizing media companies like ours along the way!