photo: Anjolina Fantaroni
(MediaFest 25 — hosted by the College Media Association, Associated Collegiate Press and the Society of Professional Journalists is underway in Washington, D.C. The conference is drawing hundreds of student journalists from across the country to connect, learn and celebrate their shared passion for storytelling.)
Among hundreds of students is Taliyah Winn, a senior at Wichita State University who is attending her first-ever conference in D.C.
“The amount of media professionals and people you’re able to meet with Politico, The Washington Post, it’s just kind of incredible,” Winn said.
Growing up with little, Winn said she never imagined she’d have the chance to visit the capital.
“This is my first time being here,” she said. “I didn’t go on the D.C. trip that a lot of people did in eighth grade, so it really means a lot.”
Winn’s favorite session so far was titled “How journalists can (and should) cover attempts to erase Black history,” led by Howard University’s Nikole Hannah-Jones and Jennifer Thomas. The presentation brought together young Black leaders for an open discussion on exploring the impact of these directives on fact-based reporting.
“There were so many young, Black leaders in a room. It was cool,” she said.
After her graduation in May, she said she hopes to work in political media, and the dream now feels more attainable after her experience at MediaFest 25.
“You can feel the history, you can feel the connection, like two different parts of America,” she said.
MediaFest25 concludes tomorrow, Oct. 18, after the Pacemaker and Best of Show Awards from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Independence Ballroom 5B.
Tagged under: SPJ, mediafest25