For Black History Month 2012, the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education website celebrates 28 individuals. One for each day of February, the shortest month of the year.
The lives of these Americans are worthy of celebration and further study, which our short profiles hope to encourage. The women and men included are writers, editors, journalists, publishers, trailblazers and change makers. They remind us of the rich contributions African Americans make and have made in the world of words.
This is by no means a definitive or exhaustive listing. It’s a starting point for learning, comment and discussion during Black History Month - February, 2012 when our nation pays a little more attention to issues of diversity. Be heard. Tell us what you think and what we can learn!
*** Please follow these links to view our 2011 and 2013 Black History Month features. ***
February 21, 2012
An award-winning filmmaker, Stanley Nelson has over 20 years' experience as a producer, director, and writer of documentary films and videos. Founder and president of Half Nelson Productions, Inc., an independent production company, his most recent...
more »
February 22, 2012
Jill Nelson was born and raised in Harlem and has been a working journalist for over twenty years. She is a graduate of the City College of New York and the Columbia School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in numerous publications, including The...
more »
February 23, 2012
An industry veteran, Adria’s passion for cutting-edge technologies has led her to partner with some of the largest companies in the business. Since launching her consulting firm in 2006, Adria has been recognized as a trusted voice in her...
more »
February 24, 2012
Isha Sesay is a British journalist of Sierra Leonean descent, and an anchor for CNN International. Based at the network's world headquarters in Atlanta, she anchors the program BackStory. On January 17, 2011, Sesay debuted on Anderson Cooper 360° as...
more »
February 25, 2012
Wayne Sutton is an entrepreneur, advisor and technology journalist.Wayne helps individuals, startups and businesses succeed in understanding how to communicate on the social web via web development, user experience, brand strategy and marketing (...
more »
February 26, 2012
He is most famous for creating the acclaimed film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which heralded a new era of African American focused films. He is the father of actor and director Mario Van Peebles.Van Peebles began writing about his...
more »
February 27, 2012
A recognized expert in family and social science, Gladys Gary Vaughn has forged a 30-year career in helping people improve the quality of their lives. "I've always believed in social justice. It is a deeply held belief of mine," she told...
more »
February 28, 2012
Emil Wilbekin is currently the Editor-in-Chief of “GIANT” magazine. At “GIANT,” he oversees the bi-monthly publication, synchronizes the magazine with the website (www.giantmag.com), and develops the overall growth of the GIANT brand.Wilbekin is...
more »
February 29, 2012
Isabel Wilkerson, who spent most of her career as a national correspondent and bureau chief at The New York Times, is the first black woman to win a Pulitzer Prize in the history of American journalism and was the first black American to win for...
more »
