UA Journalism Department Hosts 18th Annual Minority Journalism Workshop

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – For the 18th year, the department of journalism at The University of Alabama is hosting some of Alabama’s brightest aspiring journalism students, during its Minority Journalism Workshop July 8-19.

The high-school students, hailing from Alabama, Florida and North Carolina, were selected from an applicant pool primarily from across the Southeast. The selected participants are working one-on-one with professionals in newspaper and broadcast journalism as they learn the basics of reporting, writing, editing, presentation and design. In addition to a newspaper-publishing project, the Minority Journalism Workshop class will produce a television news broadcast using the latest in digital and video equipment.

Since the program’s inception, numerous participants in it have gone on to careers with some of America’s most well known media, public relations and advertising organizations. Many “graduates” often return to assist and instruct students who are embarking on careers in the media field.

“More than 400 students have taken their first steps toward a professional media career through this workshop,” said Dr. Ed Mullins, chairman of the department of journalism at UA. “Groups such as the American Society of Newspaper Editors and the National Association of Black Journalists have cited this program as a national leader in introducing young people to the field of journalism.”

The closing ceremonies at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will feature Mervin Aubespin, associate editor of The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky.

“We are looking forward to welcoming 22 energetic, aspiring journalists,” said workshop director Monica Hill. “They will be immersed into the world of journalism and into campus life at The University of Alabama.”

UA’s Minority Journalism Workshop is supported through grants from the Alabama Press Association Journalism Foundation, Alabama news media, the Gannett Foundation, the Knight Foundation and the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund.