Such a Class Act!
I can’t let another day go by without sharing how much I appreciate the SCHOOL of Global Journalism and Communication at Morgan State University for inviting me to speak with journalism/multimedia students about my book: “Truth Tellers: The Power and Presence of Black Women Journalists Since 1960.” From the moment I stepped into the SGJC’s building in Baltimore on May 4, I was welcomed by Dr. Janice Smith, interim chairman of the School’s strategic communication department, along with Associate Professor Wayne Dawkins, Journalism Department Chairman Benjamin Davis and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and journalism educator E. R. Shipp. And then there was my new friend, SGJC student Chase “like the bank” Gilliam, who believes that he is related to Dorothy Gilliam, one of the women in my book.

I felt so comfortable and at home while visiting WEAA, the NPR-affiliate radio station’s spacious floor and meeting administrators, staff and on-air personalities (including students) who ensure that the station runs smoothly each day. MSU truly is one of those HBCUs where everyone wears several hats and don’t mind doing so. The pride in every inch of the building was evident. SGJC is led by SGJC Dean Jackie Jones, a beloved administrator, academic and journalist who is continuing a legacy of excellence established by SGJC’s former dean, DeWayne Wickham. Dean Jones is mentioned several times in my book, and rightly so as someone who helped guide the careers of numerous Black women journalists.

Thank you again, Dean Jones!! (Former Dean Wickham, of course, is one of the lead endorsers of my book). When I entered the room where the book discussion was to take place, I nearly fainted! Spread out on a table were two dozen copies of my book, ready for me to sign for every student in attendance!! YES!! God is GOOD!! The discussion that followed was even better. The students were amazing. They listened, asked probing questions, shared some of their personal stories and more. But further validation of the excellence taking place at SGJC came when I received an email yesterday afternoon from my longtime colleague Wayne Dawkins containing an article that two students wrote about my visit, along with a photo taken by another student!

Talk about meeting a deadline! As often as the word “intentional” is used these days, I cannot think of a better word to describe SGJC’s faculty, staff and students regarding my visit. And EXCELLENCE! I am humbled, honored and blessed. Thank you, again, Morgan State University and the School of Global Journalism and Communication. Jackie Jones Wayne Dawkins DeWayne Wickham Janice E. Smith, Ph.D., APR
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