Shaw junior Diamond Ricketts, Binaware Agori and Raquan Thomas
spoke with news anchor Tisha Powell at the event
“It was a grand opportunity for future journalists to learn from experts and philosophers,” said Dr. Cassandra Mitchell, Shaw’s Division Head of Communications & Arts, who was on program to offer the occasion at the Annual ABC-11 Minority Council Media Day, held on October 14 at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
The theme of the event was “Deciphering the Facts: Getting the Story Right.” Mitchell stated that since we live in a libertarian society, we are given free choice to pick and choose where we receive information; however, it’s getting very confusing and very difficult to decipher the messages. So, events of this type are very important.
About 75 students from colleges and universities across the triangle area gathered to hear from guest speaker Byron Pitts of ABC Nightline and local anchors from ABC-11. Tisha Powell, Steve Daniels, Amber Rupinta, and Gloria Rodriguez were on hand to offer comments and host mock interviews and review the resumes of hopeful journalists.
Pitts did an excellent job reflecting on his journey and speaking about the key people and times that shaped and molded him.
“It’s your job to tell the story,” he said. “As a journalist you should be human first, then a journalist.” He went on to say that building relationships is one of the most important things students should focus on. “Lying is not an option. People can see right through that.”
Pitts also spoke of times in which his mentors advised him to slow down and enjoy the ride. He recalled one time in particular when he was assigned to go to Afghanistan. His mentor told him to sit down and compose ten handwritten letters to give to the people he treasured the most. Pitts then realized the risk involved in traveling to tell the stories that we sometimes take for granted.
Students really enjoyed the forum. Shaw junior Justin Young said, “ I look forward to attending next year and I really appreciate being invited.”
Raquan Thomas was able to have his portfolio and resume reviewed. He left the session with a strong feeling of confidence. “I feel like I’m on the right track with things now. These experts are saying the same things our professors are telling us in class, so I’m pleased with what I’m being exposed to on a day-to-day basis.
Frankie Perry, chairperson of the Minority Advisory Committee, said she was very pleased with what transpired. “It was a nice event for both students and the experts. It was a great way to provide a forum to openly discuss the role of the fourth estate, and we certainly want to prepare our future journalists and make them realize the importance of the job.