Many of your favorite journalists signed this letter saying that we're done with racism in public radio and we have some ideas about what can be done differently. Read and share widely ⤵️
The backlash that Jaclyn faced for doing her job was unacceptable. She deserved a lot better from all parties involved, including within our organization.
Self care, community care, and mental health are so important.
Harassment in all forms is unacceptable. Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees from it and provide the capacity and space to recover from the toll that reporting can take on us.
Thankful for your care about our station's progress. We encourage people to continue to support our colleagues and our reporting, and to keep an eye on actions that UMSL and the station take moving forward... Retention and accountability remain our priorities.
There’s a lot I can’t say right now and a lot that I’ll probably never say but know this: when a person of color working in audio/radio/podcasting is telling you how they’ve been hurt by the industry, believe them. Always believe them. We are not making this shit up.
Please don’t act like everyone loved my father. He was assassinated. A 1967 poll reflected that he was one of the most hated men in America. Most hated. Many who quote him now and evoke him to deter justice today would likely hate, and may already hate, the authentic King. #MLK
“Complicated decisions — who to hire, who to promote, what stories to cover — require careful thought and consideration. Not instinct, hunches, or strong feelings, but anti-racist processes and systems that prevent us from making biased choices.”
Thanks to @CelesteHeadlee for convening the public radio thought leaders who created this document - and for inviting others like me to sign on.
“With increased transparency we can earn the trust of the public we serve ... rather than assuming their trust is ours to lose.”
Most journalists of color are doing some form of unpaid labor, whether that's consulting about diversity/ equity/ inclusion, mentoring young journalists, recruiting new talent, or developing trusting relationships with sources. The creation of this letter is no exception.