Telling Our Story

A Ghanaian proverb says, “Until the lions have their own historians, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” Since journalism is the first draft of history, we must tell our story to ensure that the voices of the victims of Hurricane Katrina are heard and preserved for future generations. More important, their stories of human needs must inform public policy decisions and private relief efforts.

The mainstream media are to be commended (and here) for shining a bright light on President Bush’s indifference to those who were left behind. At the same time, the MSM hyped the small number of predators who were preying on their neighbors. The MSM failed to contextualize the lawlessness: New Orleans had a high crime rate before the storm.

The story behind the faces at the Superdome and the Convention Center is one of perseverance, dignity and patience amidst unspeakable horror. America and the rest of the world saw how we got over during the dark past of slavery and Jim Crow.

At a recent forum, Tangie Newborn, executive director of the National Association of Black Journalists said NABJ members will continue to tell the story behind the story. And when necessary, they will take a stand against media coverage. Indeed, NABJ “cautioned” the MSM about their use of the terms “refugee” and “looting.”

The MSM will eventually move on so we must remain vigilant lest the “enduring shame of America” that Katrina uncovered is swept away when a new girl blows into town.