Independence Day in Harlem, USA

Here are a few pictures of my random 4th of July:

Meet Clem Richardson

Refusing to convert to new age media, Clem Richardson stays true to his old-school writing tactics although his job may be in jeopardy. 

Three decades surviving in the tenacious industry of journalism and still remains afloat, the 58 year-old New York Daily News City Beat columnist expressed the importance of social media in todays society, although he refuses to converge to the expanding phenomena. Richardson states though he worries about the future of his overall career in print journalism, but declines to get with the new wave. 

Initiating his career in Anderson, South Carolina, Richardson states he realized at the tender age of 8 years-old that writing was an passion after reading Arabian Nights, his favorite book, one night with his grandmother. Although journalism was not the original route, he made career sacrifices simply because he was hungry, literally. Determined and ambitious, Richardson expanded his horizons to several news organizations in larger markets like Chicago, Atlanta, and Miami before finally taking a bite out of the Big Apple. He added that although he truly appreciated working at the Miami-Herald, stuffing his broad 6'5ft. statue in his Toyota in the coastal sweltering heat to look for stories, was not gratifying. He meekly mentioned traveling to teach in South Africa, building relationships with people he covered stories on, and being banned from the an Federal Prison in Maryland by the warden. He joked he was not going to be traveling to that area any time in the near future. 

Flashing back on these episodic events, Richardson exclaimed to The Reid Group, an summer internship preparing media professionals in journalism, that one reason he stays employed is because he mastered writing substantial leads when pitching stories. Being able to write strong leads sells the story, emphasized Richardson, stating it will intrigue audiences to continue to seek the information supplied. An confident lead ensures the reader that the writer is well informed about the subject matter, stated Richardson, while displaying unique and successful structures. He also revealed the horrid truth of how the economic downfall has hurt the media industry and 40,000 people that were  considered veterans were out of jobs, competing for many of the same positions that were entry-level. 

He noted to the youthful group that reading all forms of literature will expand one's vocabulary and style of writing of several types of news. A final reminder was to stay objective when writing stories to avoid bias tones, and always ask the right question. The simple questions are essentially the vital questions.

TGIF 6/29!

TGIF!

Although it is the end of the week, there is still so much work to still be done. I am very appreciative of this opportunity and interning at theGrio.com, but I really want to be in the news room. I would hate to come off rude or appalling, but I would like to take Brishaun's place at WNBC. I miss her dearly but business is just that and I need to make sure I am getting the most out of this opportunity. My current internship is beneficial but I find myself killing time for most of the shift and I really do not feel a part of the team, but an entity taking up space.

I received disturbing news this morning that really put a damper on my day, My great-uncle finally died this morning. He was expected to pass last year, so thank God that he was granted more time, but my concern is for grandmother, who I heard taking it hard. My mother  and my aunt are very concerned about her, not wanting her to indulge in alcohol to coat her sorrows. Times like this are difficult to stay focused because this is a very crucial moment for my family and I want to be home for comfort. The realization that only four of eight siblings remain living is a tough pill to swallow, especially since there has been conflict within the family, causing a slow deterioration. I guess one can be optimistic that my uncle's death will force issues to be addressed. 

I have been dealing with conflict as well with my biological father. As I mature, I have come to accept that some people just never evolve and dealing with them accordingly. I am blessed to have several father figures that have been placed in my life to fill that void. My brother's father, Glen, poured loads of encouragement and wisdom into my life, I am tearing up as I write this blog. We must have been on the phone for about two hours catching up on the events that had taken place and that are soon approaching. Although he and my mother split when I was about 7 years old, he has stayed involved in my life (for the most part) since I was two years old. 

I have only had a few hours of sleep, so today will be an early night for the sack. I want to prepare for the live shots tomorrow, especially since I did not go last week due to "technical difficulties". I need to have a well prepared story with ample details so it can be as close to perfection as possible. I am not interested in being on television, but learning every aspect is definitely beneficial for future career endeavors. 

June 28...

It was all good just a week ago...

           A bitter-sweet feeling is left after a long propitious day. It began when the Reid Group was granted the opportunity to have an insinuate conversation with Michael Jack, President and General Manager of NBC New York. His affable persona relaxed the stiff vibe as he escorted himself inside the chilled room.

"Suck it up" advised Mr. Jack, annotating the management of his personal life and having the ultimate responsibility of keeping the network afloat. He administered wisdom in such an admirable manner that I could not resist capturing every word his mouth uttered. When the hour abruptly concluded, it felt as if a personal consultation had concluded prematurely. 

            While Mr. Jack articulated vital requirements for a efficacious career in media. Ms. Sharmyne Jenkins made critical notations of our interaction with the general manager and overall appearance. She provided key lifestyle bullet points that as African-American women must remain cautious of while working in corporate America. I was enthused to get knowledgeable advice on black hair in corporations. Often at times I become apprehensive with having dreadlocks while on my pursuit and wonder will my hairstyle preference become a hindrance.

            While writing this blog, I occasionally glance up at the television to enjoy the VH1 special on best 90s R&B songs, which is keeping me entertained, since TV has been a major deprivation over the last three weeks. I immediately became beatific when Ms. Lola Ogunnaike randomly pops up on the screen one of the commentators. Garishly I announced it in the empty common area that I had just been her earlier today. At that very moment it settled in that the Reid Group are exposed to extraordinary people on a daily basis that are triumphant in the media industry, and they are all pouring information into our lives to make us just as exquisite. She brought several magazines that featured articles that she had written, providing a variation of writing styles that differed per publication. Ms. Ogunnaike reflected on horror stories of writer's block that she experienced throughout her career, made her more relatable coining her as one of the favorites.

            Of course, Ms. Terri Martin is always a delight with her straight to the point attitude that protrudes her personality. The scripts were provided are definitely going to get plastered on my walls in plain sight as a reference when writing for broadcast radio and television. The exercise of writing for broadcast that we had to complete today was essential for me to comprehend when trying to produce news segments.

            All went sour when the day concluded and Ms. Reid trudged in the conference room announcing unexpectedly the departure of one of the interns. No one uttered a word as the unfortunate earful was informed. It felt as if a comrade had been annihilated during a crusade as empathy began to sink in. I never would have thought that one of the "originals" would be exiled and although it was gut-wrenching reality; it was also an embarrassing reflection on the group as a whole. It serves as a harsh but accurate reminder that nothing is owed to those that do not earn it and becoming too comfortable in intense atmospheres might just send you to the chopping block.

Wednesday, June 27th

      My first official day at theGrio.com was definitely gratifying. I pitched some good, well thought out  stories that were chosen to go on the website. The editor, Adam Howard pointed out that my selections were the type of content that the website sought. I guess being subjected to refer to the site for leads for Newsbreak at Clark Atlanta paid off in the long run. I would have never thought that I would have an internship reporting news that was relevant to black America. This subject is definitely a passion for me because I feel as if I am contributing to the voice for the urban community that is often ignored by mainstream.
      It felt good to be one of the last to leave the office because I am really trying to make good impression on the organization. I left after Adam and told the girls to leave without me because I had to complete an assignment, so much effort is given. Writing is not a strong point, so I realize that I have to work extra hard to make sure there is not any grammatical errors, misleading components, or fraudulent information.
      I noticed that when the day begins, the office is uptight with trying to meet approaching deadlines and finding unique stories before the pitch meeting at 10:45am sharp. As I stated earlier, my stories sparked the interest of other contributors and I had a chance to write web run-downs for them. I was also asked to complete extra task, which is why I left so late.
     Although, I was working on four hours of sleep, news is a passion and there really is never a dull moment and to be honest, I do not want one. Although the days feel long to others, I feel as if there is not enough time in the day. Finding an occupation in my desired career path in this media mecca and being prepared if one presents itself, has been an daily stress. The weeks are flying by and I am trying to really consume and expand the knowledge that had been presented thus far in this program. I try not to be fearful of the market and even considered starting off in a smaller market in the surrounding area to work out any extra kinks. Graduate school has also been in the forefront of my cerebral as well. I want to make time to start researching different programs that would benefit me. Prestige and diversity are just two of the key components that I am searching for when choosing an university.

Ground Zero: My Experience

       Walking past O'hara's Restaurant & Pub, a pedestrian would think it was just an ordinary Irish bar with cheap (or expensive) beer, but one would soon realize that it was just as much a part of the Ground Zero memorial. 

Located directly across the street from the famous tourist attraction and decorated with a several varieties of patches of the police force, fire department and military personal. Ohara's provides prides itself on its patriotic slogans that paid homage to the ones that lost their lives or fought during the appalling mark in history. It makes sure its customers never forget the tragedy of September 11, 2001. The well-established business shared its own experience of turbulence when the World Trade Center fell and how it was dramatically effected. Being a native of New York State, I could not resist hearing first hand the story of this small bar that overall succeeded from the traumatic acquaintance.  

Dave Demarco, an employee at the famous pub, stated "this was definitely an Wall Street bar…workers would come here after 15 hour shifts."  The bar provides an scrap-book dedicated to the infamous date of pictures filled with newspaper clippings, personal letters from dedicated patrons that were featured in magazines like Vanity Fair, and obituaries of police and firemen that died during the attack.  "The bar took a major lost after 9/11" stated Demarco, when the bar, that has been open since 1983, had to close for eight months after the Twin Towers fell, depreciating the originally four- stories to a one floor business. 

      When asked about the construction of the new site, Demarco simply stated he was glad to see progress of the center because in  2010 he could not see over the fence of surrounding the area. Now, Tower 7 is almost complete and the rest of the buildings are getting built rapidly.

     Getting the chance to visit the actual memorial site and museum can be an humbling experience, one can not resist an sense of empathy for the families that lost a loved-one. Missing persons ads were plastered along the walls, as well as personal pictures and items that that held sentimental value. A few Items that were obtained from the debris, such as airplanes parts, firefighter uniforms, and pillars from the original buildings. 

Day: 8...Inside My Story!

        Producing the segment for the Tom Joyner Morning Show has to be the most stressful task I have endured thus far. I have to admit that if I was not blessed with my partner, Ms Reid would be pissed with me. I came to the realization that I have to really work on pitching stories and doing proper research to get the "real story". I am serious about producing, so this skill needs to be mastered. I expressed these issues with Ms. Reid and I am appreciative that I recognized it this early and know myself well enough address this. 

Four of us met Ms. Reid and CAU adjunct, Professor Jennifer Thomas, for an intimate lunch in SOHO. I was excited to go to that area of NYC because I have never experienced it and was always eager travel there. It helped to be in smaller group because we were all on one-accord and finding the restaurant was a breeze. Professor Thomas greeted us with a joyful welcome and was able to answer questions that concerned us pertaining to graduate school and balancing careers. After lunch, we went to the Betsey Johnson clothing store, which are all closing and were having a discontinuation sale on all items, including furniture. I would have gotten some "bad" shoes for $45 but they didn't have my size, which is always a bad case for us women. 

Having to rush home, confirm guest, obtain official statements from attorney's  within an hour before an 6:30pm workshop had my partner and I pulling out patches of hair (well locks in my case). Meeting Ms. Allison Samuels was worth it for two reasons: one she is a CAU alumnae; and two she gave such insight on First Lady Michelle Obama and more knowledge being a great woman and of course the subject of creditable journalism. 

One mental note that stuck out with all the guest that we have encountered thus far is that they have all stated that this industry is minority deprived and to me that's a harsh pill to swallow because I am a double minority:  black and a women with morality.