Dear Journalism students,

I write to you on behalf of the Journalism Faculty to share the grief, anger and, for many of us, a feeling of helplessness over the murder of George Floyd and of so many Black men and women who came before him. 

As journalists, we have a path to action.  Part of our most sacred role is the act of bearing witness, of giving voice to the voiceless, and of holding those in power to account. The Journalism Program at Wake Forest stands in solidarity with our colleagues across the country who have been risking their lives to report on the death of Black men and women at the hands of police and of the protests that ensued. Among our faculty, adjunct professor Jordan Green has been reporting on protests in Greensboro and Raleigh for Triad City Beat, at great risk to himself.  

Such stories demand courage in the midst of chaos and adherence to the principles of verification, independence and context that define the practice of journalism. As you know, our federal and local governments, beginning with President Trump, have targeted journalists for doing their job. At last count, the U.S. Press Freedom Counter has identified 100 cases of journalists injured, harassed or arrested by authorities. As faculty and practicing journalists we will act to defend a free press now in this time of crisis and forever.

We are especially concerned about journalists of color, whether students or professionals,  who are at greatest risk of being targets. Covid-19, which exposed the structural racism at the heart of police brutality, also remains a threat for protestors and for the journalists telling their stories.  We urge anyone reporting on mass protests to protect themselves against injury and infection by following guidelines for health and safety.  

Words feel inadequate to bring comfort, but if there is anything any of us can do for you over the summer please reach out. We are here for you.

With warm regards,

WFU Journalism Faculty

Phoebe Zerwick, Justin Catanoso, Maria Henson, Woodrow Hood, Mandy Locke, Peter Mitchell, Melissa Painter, Mark Rabil, Anna Rubino, Ivan Weiss, Barry Yeoman