Howard University formally opened the Center for Journalism & Democracy on November 15, 2022. Led by critically-acclaimed journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, the day-long celebration consisted of conversations about the “fragility of American democracy” and “the need for new directions in journalism education.”
“This is a big day for me and a big day for Howard,” Hannah-Jones said.
“We gather here today on what I consider to be hallowed ground. This University, established to help educate four million people emancipated by the Civil War, opened with a vision for what democracy in this multi-racial nation could look like. In a racist and sexist society, Howard from its start educated Americans regardless of race or gender.”
Throughout the opening day program, Hannah Jones was joined by Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, National Book Award Winner Ta-Nehisi Coates and Former NAACP Legal Defense Fund President Sherrilyn Ifill. Former U.S. President Barack Obama also issued a video statement congratulation Hannah-Jones and Howard University for making a commitment to “historically informed journalism.”
“Nikole Hannah-Jones always asks the right questions at the right time,” Democracy In Education Founder Karin Chenoweth said.
“She and Howard University both occupy a unique position to call to account the questions, what is journalism, what is democracy, and how do we ensure the journalists are a part of building democracy and not tearing it down?”
