James Aronson Awards

This was an extra credit project, and I was not thrilled about spending my Friday evening in school. I had already been at work since 4 am that day, and in class since 2:45 pm. I do have to say, I am glad I got a chance to see the James Aronson Awards. The whole award show touched me, and it was interesting to find out that one of my past professors Robert Stanley brought Mr. James Aronson to Hunter College. I was also struck by the “in memoriam” of David Carr, who was last year’s recipient of the career achievement award. David Carr was such a charismatic man, and a strong journalist for the New York Times. The award that touched me the most was presented to Andrea McDaniels for her article in the Baltimore Sun, “Collateral Damage.” She was not there to except the award, but her editor Diana Sugg was there on her behalf. Diana gave a speech and a little insight on what the article “Collateral Damage” is about. Her speech almost brought me to tears, mainly because I never thought of what young children go through in high crime areas. “Collateral Damage”, highlights some of the highest crime areas in Baltimore, but it takes a different perspective on crime, instead of focusing on what happens to the victims, Andrea and Diana focused on the innocent bystanders, the young children who are caught in these high crime areas. What happens to the five year old who just saw someone get his or her brains blown out, or the young boy who is looking out the window when someone gets shot? Life for these children just does not go on, they end up with nightmares, become violent, and act out in schools. There is no help provided from therapists or psychiatrist. Half the time these kids are scared to talk to the police, fearing for their own lives. This made me think of what is going on in the world today. With all of the police brutality, and innocent lives that get taken forcefully. The United States is experiencing one of the toughest periods in its history. The country is drastically changing, people want to be heard, people want equality. When we look at some of these journalists and documentary filmmakers involved in social justice, we need to give them more credit then they have been given. These journalists and filmmakers bring forth some of the most important stories, and they don’t get noticed because they may not have a celebrity status in the journalism world. In my opinion as a Media Student, I think Media students should attend the Aronson Awards every year. I was not sure what I was going to hear, but I am sure glad I went, and got to see these extraordinary people.