Media Contact:
Contact: Lydia Sermons or Carol Wilkerson 
Email: mediarelations@Howard.edu 
Phone: 202-288-7071  

The Center for Journalism & Democracy Hosts Critical Conversation on Press Freedom and Democracy with Nikole Hannah-Jones, Heather Cox Richardson, and Leading Journalists

What:

The Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University will present “Journalism Under Fire: Guarding Against Threats to our Democracy,” a powerful discussion featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, historian Heather Cox Richardson, and a distinguished panel of journalists who resigned or were pushed out as news organizations moved to accommodate a second Trump presidency. Together, they will explore the urgent threats facing the press and democracy, and why safeguarding independent journalism is essential in today’s political climate.

Who:

● Nikole Hannah-Jones, Founder, Center for Journalism & Democracy

● Heather Cox Richardson, Historian and Author of Democracy Awakening

● Joy-Ann Reid, former Host, MSNBC’s The ReidOut

● Jim Acosta, former Anchor and Chief Domestic Correspondent, CNN

● Robert Kagan, former Columnist, The Washington Post

● Mariel Garza, former Editorials Editor, Los Angeles Times

When:

Thursday, April 24, 2025
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET (Media Check-In at 5:30 PM)

Where:

Cramton Auditorium, Howard University
2455 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059

RSVP:

Members of the media are encouraged to RSVP in advance to secure press credentials and access to the media area. Complete the RSVP form at: https://c4jd.eventbrite.com

Event Details:

This inaugural event in the Truth Over Power speaker series highlights the growing pressures on independent journalism—from political interference to corporate consolidation—and its direct impact on the health of democracy. This timely discussion offers exclusive insights from journalists who have stood at the frontlines of these challenges.

Media Opportunities:

● Pre-event and post-event interviews with speakers and event organizers

● Photo and video opportunities

● On-site press seating

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About the Center for Journalism & Democracy
The Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University is committed to strengthening historically informed investigative journalism at HBCUs and across the profession, empowering journalists to uphold truth and accountability in service of democracy.