Covering Election 2020

The 2020 Election promises to be a watershed moment in U.S. social and political history. In the run-up to November 3, journalists covering campaigns are also on the front lines of a pandemic, street protests, arrests, and assaults by protestors and police officers. As part of the “Reporting While Black” series, this virtual conversation will feature a panel of leading experts, who have covered past elections, campaigns and civil unrest. The panelists will discuss what Black journalists should expect and how to prepare for covering the upcoming elections in light of voter suppression and fears of potential intimidation at polling places. These seasoned professionals will also provide tips for students and journalists on basic safety and their rights.

The panel will be moderated by Ingrid Sturgis, Associate Professor and Assistant Chair, Department of Media, Journalism and Film. The four panelists include:

Shaquille Brewster, Political Reporter at NBC News, HU ’14
Milton Coleman, Hearst Visiting Professor at Howard University; former Washington Post editor
Michelle Johnson, Associate Professor at Boston University; former Boston Globe editor
Cheriss May, Adjunct Professor at Howard (alumna), President, Women Photojournalists of Washington, White House Press Corps member