Journalism Under Fire: Guarding Against Threats to our Democracy

Journalism Under Fire: Guarding Against Threats to our Democracy

The event will open with a fireside chat between Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and historian Heather Cox Richardson, whose latest book, Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, examines the rise of authoritarian threats, the erosion of democratic norms and the role of the press in defending truth. Richardson will discuss how the Trump administration’s ascent was part of a broader historical pattern, warning against the dangers of complacency in the face of rising authoritarianism. Hannah-Jones, an award-winning journalist and fierce advocate for press freedom, will guide this conversation, situating it within the context of ongoing attacks on journalism and the necessity of a free and independent press to sustain democracy.

This discussion will set the stage for the panel conversation that follows, featuring journalists who have recently resigned in protest of editorial decisions they saw as compromising journalistic integrity. As pressures on the press escalate amid political and corporate influence, this panel will offer an inside look at the realities of working in a media landscape increasingly shaped by external forces. These journalists will reflect on their departures, assess the broader state of the American press, and highlight ways to uphold press freedom as a pillar of democracy.

Featuring

🔥 Nikole Hannah-Jones — Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and founder of the Center for Journalism & Democracy

📚 Heather Cox Richardson — Acclaimed historian and author of Democracy Awakening

🎧 Plus a powerful panel featuring:

• Joy-Ann Reid, former Host, MSNBC’s The ReidOut
• Jim Acosta, former Anchor, CNN
• Robert Kagan, former Columnist, The Washington Post
• Mariel Garza, former Editorials Editor, Los Angeles Times

Contact Us: Center for Journalism & Democracy Howard University

Email: CJD@howard.edu

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Registration is required to attend this event.

Doors open for check-in at 6 p.m.

The event program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.