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Morning Briefing: On Race And Journalism
A sign at a protest in front of City Hall reads "Racism - The Real Pandemic." Chava Sanchez/LAist
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For the past month, KPCC producer Austin Cross has been publishing a series of essays exploring race, journalism and more. In his latest, he tackles his own journey of learning what it means to truly amplify Black voices.
Reflecting on how, early in his tenure at Take Two, he put together a roundtable of Black speakers that included a professor and community leader, Cross writes:
“A journalist, an academic, and a faith leader. How do I say this? Sigh.
“I chose to put a microphone in front of the Black community's polished gems, rather than its uncut diamonds. Subconsciously, I thought I was doing my people a favor by presenting its most assimilated voices… But if truth and accuracy are the foundation of true reconciliation, then accurate representation is non-negotiable. All Black experiences matter.”
Cross’s earlier essays examine his experience as a Black man in a modern American newsroom, and the ideas about race he inherited from his father.
Keep reading for more on what’s happening in L.A. today, and stay safe out there.
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Coming Up Today, July 7
L.A. County has moved everyone who was doing contact tracing for tuberculosis to COVID-19, which in turn makes the chief medical officer worried about a potential TB outbreak, reports Jackie Fortiér.
Police in Los Angeles County use force on Black people far out of their proportion to the population, state data shows. Aaron Mendelson breaks down state data that few of us have seen.
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The Past 24 Hours In LA
Policing The Police: Some L.A. County law enforcement officers aren't wearing masks while on duty, despite the county COVID-19 requirement and mandates from their own departments.
California Kids: Budget cuts at four-year universities could make students flock to less expensive community colleges.
Homelessness: The 16th “A Bridge Home” homeless shelter opened, this one in San Pedro.
Fire And Land: The Soledad Fire has burned more than 1,300 acres in about 12 hours just northeast of Santa Clarita. L.A. lacks green spaces, and the areas that are most in need are primarily home to people of color.
First Person: Austin Cross, a producer for our newsroom's Take Two, reflects on what it really takes to amplify Black voices.
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Photo Of The Day
KPCC/LAist executive editor Megan Garvey snapped this view of the San Jacinto Mountains, seen from Cathedral City.
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
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