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THREAD @soledadobrien op-ed described exactly what many #POCinJournalism go through in WHITE newsrooms. We are often judged by our skin color, not by our experience. Now is our time as #POC to speak out. Change is needed and management needs to listen. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/04/opinion/soledad-obrien-racism-journalism.html
While our job as journalists is to report on #racism & #discrimination at other companies; media companies do not want to be exposed 4 the same thing. I have spoken out for years & it resulted in being attacked for my work to silence me. It happened to me at several TV stations
At the #Fox station in Dallas, I broke more stories & won more awards than many fellow WHITE reporters, but mgt used intimidation tactics to silence me including writing me up for no reason. How they treated me was a message to other #POC in the newsroom to be quiet. I was FIRED.
To #POCinJournalism who work for media companies that practice #SystemicRacism & where "good old white boy" system exists; If you are being treated unfairly, but must protect your job---reach out to me. I will help somehow to OUT the mgrs who are doing you wrong.
Do not suffer in silence! I know from experience how mgt. can retaliate & use measures to silence you and drive you out. DO NOT LET THEM WIN! We now have the power. Look what happened to several media leaders who were OUTED for treating #POC in newsrooms like garbage.
Look how @AshleyAlese created change at @Refinery29. Two WHITE females at the top are now gone. If you're a former employee from a newsroom that was toxic and treated #POC like second-class citizen, speak out. https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/02/media/refinery29-amy-emmerich-resigns/index.html
Don't be afraid to unite as #POC in a newsroom and speak to management. Work together, don't allow WHITE management to peg you against each other. YOU have a voice. Look what happened when Latino & Black journalists at @latimes said enough is enough. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2020-06-24/los-angeles-times-black-lives-matter-diversity
It takes courage to speak out like @alexisjreports who made it public that her employer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was not allowing her to cover the city’s Black Lives Matter protests because mgt. thought she was biased. She is now suing. https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2020/06/17/alexis-johnson-pg-lawsuit/
Take a stand like the 44 #journalists of color at the Philadelphia Inquirer after the now-infamous column titled “Buildings Matter, Too" was published. The top editor resigned because #POC united in that newsroom and DEMANDED change. https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/06/07/stan-wischnowski-philadelphia-inquirer-editor-resigns-buildings-matter-too-headline/
Take a stand like @WesleyLowery who has revealed what happened to him @washingtonpost. “What’s the point of bringing diverse experiences and voices into a room only to muzzle them?” https://www.thewrap.com/wesley-lowery-suggests-his-washington-post-editors-threatened-him-over-his-tweets/
I know it can be scary to speak out when you're being discriminated & not treated like your WHITE coworkers. Cover your behind. Document everything. Mgt. will build a case agst you, you need to build your case against them. Here are good tips from lawyers. https://employment.findlaw.com/legal-help-and-resources/documents-to-show-your-attorney-discrimination-harassment.html
Of course, not all WHITE managers are bad. I have survived 39 years in journalism because of WHITE managers who knew I was being mistreated, who behind closed doors fought for me & knew I was being targeted. Find those mgrs in your newsroom. They are there. They have a heart.
WHITE managers do better. BE open-minded about #POC in your newsroom. Don't label us "troublemakers" because we speak our #truth. Follow @ClassicalyCourt advice on being a better ally for your black coworkers, but I think for all #POC in your newsroom. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/03/how-to-be-a-better-ally-for-your-black-coworkers.html
#POC managers you have a bigger responsibility. Your WHITE bosses should hear what you think about hirings, coverage of #POC communities, and more. And if they don't remind them you are no ones #token. But don't ENABLE them to #discriminate or silence #POC in your newsroom.
As journalists of color, we just want to do the job of gathering news, but we can't do our jobs if we are not treated as equals in a newsroom. #Diversity is important, but so is #inclusion. What good is to have a diverse newsroom if we're not included in the decisions & coverage?
Again, if you are suffering in silence, please contact me via #Facebook or #Linkedin or DM here. WE ARE in this together as #POCinJournalism. Don't leave the business, because that's what some of those WHITE managers want. When you leave our #POC communities lose too.
Also, join journalism organizations & groups that have your back. @SPJDiversity @NAHJ @NABJ @aaja @najournalists @LatinaJournos And mentor journalists of color who need that extra boost of confidence.
#GeorgeFloyd created change in newsrooms around the country. Something I have been waiting for ...for 39 years. If we as #POCinJournalism don't take this time to DEMAND CHANGE we will never be treated as equals. It's time!
Rest in Peace Mr. Floyd.
Rest in Peace Mr. Floyd.
Plz RT this thread so more journalists of color know they are not alone. Have a good week.
