On April 25th, a workshop concerning environmental journalism was held for the first time at Columbia College. The central objective of the workshop was to dispense information which will serve as a direct asset to those who intend to pursue the field of journalism as a career. RB’s participation in the event was organized by Applied Arts Department Chair, Patty Sarkady.

“RB is starting their green initiative and journalism is something that I am extremely passionate about,” said Sarkady, “so I thought it would be a great idea to get students from RB16 news, Clarion, and SEE team to participate in the event.”

The workshop was kicked off when guest speaker Evelyn Holmes, a reporter for ABC 7 News and member of the National Association of Black Journalists, ascended the stage.

“No matter what their time constraints are, no matter what they are feeling, journalists share a mutual responsibility,” said Holmes, “and that responsibility is to tell the story. They must stay true to what the real story is, for they are the ones who have to guard the truth.”

Holmes, who has worked in Chicago broadcasting for the past 13 years, feels that the emerging area of environmental journalism is a new frontier and opportunity to shine.

As Holmes’ speech concluded, participating students were able to tour an exhibition space filled with several visual presentations designed to increase awareness over different issues currently facing the environment. These presentations allowed viewers to reflect on problems ranging from environmental racism to animal cruelty while in the midst of discovering new insight into journalistic skills and devices.

Students were then taken into separate rooms and given the opportunity to be coached by professional journalists. Among the topics which these professionals discussed were the general techniques for constructing a story and maintaining a constant focus.

“By participating in the workshop, I feel like I have been able to learn a lot about journalism,” said freshman Jessica Lancaster. “I was able to take away information which will really help me next year when I become a member of the Clarion.”

While it is hoped that the advice imparted through the writing workshop will directly benefit future journalists, even more essential is the ability to take initiative and use available resources while seeking out the truth. In the words of Evelyn Holmes, “At the end of the day, the journalist is the person who is willing to ask the question that no one else is willing to ask.”

--Submitted by Jette Pleasant, Features Manager