The National Association of Black Journalists hosted the On the Front Lines: Covering Black Lives Matter event, Sept. 29, with Black journalists who discussed their experience covering protests this summer. The journalists discussed the challenges that come along with reporting on racism and oppression as Black media professionals. 

Sydnee Brown, a second-year Journalism major, said she attended the event because she wanted to get insight into the crossover between being a Black journalist and what that meant for reporting on the concept of racial issues. 

“I learned that, as Black journalists, we can share our perspectives without being activists,” Brown said. “We can accurately report on issues and seek both sides, even those like Black Lives Matter, which impact us.” 

The two key speakers for the event were Will Jones, reporter at ABC7 Chicago, and Nicquel Terry Ellis, National Correspondent at USA Today Atlanta. They said that they openly share their support for the Black Lives Matter movement but cautioned future journalists to be mindful of associating with political parties and politicians.