I want to apologize to protesters and the Tampa Bay community for T-shirts that @TB_Times journalists have worn to cover protests saying “Journalism Matters.” /1 of a thread

We have encouraged reporters and photographers to wear Tampa Bay Times gear so we can be transparent about our role as media members. Hats, T-shirts, etc. We have ordered new gear this year. /2

We made these T-shirts two years ago after the Capital-Gazette shooting in which five newsroom employees were killed. We made them in support of the journalism community. /3

But wearing them now, in this extraordinary time of #BlackLivesMatter conversation about systemic racism and inherent bias, is not right. I am sorry. /4