Posted:
Updated:
HOUSTON (KIAH) – At CW39 Houston, we are celebrating Black History Month – looking back, looking forward. To honor this, we brought together the storytellers themselves for a roundtable discussion.
We welcomed four prominent journalists who specialize in covering stories about the Black community.
During our conversation, our esteemed guests addressed the following questions:
- The first black newspaper was established in 1827 by a group of African American New Yorkers who aimed to “plead our own cause.” Why is it still crucial, 167 years later, to continue writing stories about our Black communities?
- You all have reported on impactful stories and issues affecting our local Black community. Which ones have left a lasting impression on you?
- In college, [Idolina Peralez] heard a keynote speaker emphasize that we are ordinary individuals capable of achieving extraordinary feats. When you witness small victories or stories of triumph, who are these ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things? How do their narratives contribute to enhancing a community?
- Florida’s Department of Education rejected an Advanced Placement course on African American studies. In Texas, the “Critical Race Theory” bill was passed into law in 2021. As the present-day authors of history, what are your initial reactions to these legislative decisions?
- As journalists, you engage with the community, cover various topics, and establish connections. What recurring issues or subjects are you hearing about from the Black community that we, as a society, still need to tackle?
- What are the stories that are flying under the radar that we should be highlighting?
- Share a story you reported on that altered your perspective or instilled hope within you.
