NNPA Rededicates Media Lab at HU’s School of Communications
The National Newspaper Publishers Association rededicated Howard University’s School of Communications media lab as a further testament to the commitment to the partnership between the organization and the school’s journalism department.
The ribbon cutting took place with numerous members of the NNPA, NNPA interns from around the country and prominent faculty members of the School of Communications.
“In 2014, the media lab was refurbished with 16 Mac desktop computers thanks to Mary Denson of the NNPA. This news lab serves as a central vehicle for the journalism department, preparing students to convey news and persuasive messages with technology,” said Wilhelmina Wright-Harp, the associate dean for research and academic affairs.
In 2003, the NNPA began its partnership with the Howard University School of Communications. It is one of the first news organization-university partnerships in the country. Howard University journalism students continue this partnership through the Howard University News Service.
Students have their original stories published in NNPA papers throughout the country, which contributes to their resumes, clips and overall journalism acumen.
Anissa Pierre, a senior, was selected to participate as one of 20 interns in the NNPA’s Black Press Week.
“I was selected by Howard University News Service to participate in Black Press Week. We got to meet a lot of publishers and have workshops with George Curry, the NNPA editor-in-chief. He gave us interviewing and writing tips. I don’t have anything lined up after graduation, so this has been really helpful,” said Pierre.
Along with technological advances in the School of Communications, the school has undergone major curriculum changes.
In the fall of 2013, the Radio, Television and Film Department merged with journalism to become the Media, Journalism and Film Department. This was intended to better serve students and prepare them for an ever-changing workforce.
“Our mission is to serve the NNPA and our students. We thank you for publishing their stories around the country. We have a chance to work on a lot of pressing issues affecting our communities,” said Yanick Rice Lamb, the assistant chair of the Department of Media, Journalism and Film.
When Trennie Williams Jr., 19, a sophomore at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who has been around the NNPA all his life, heard about the opportunity to participate in Black Press Week, he jumped.
“I found out about this opportunity through my granddad, Mr. Jimmy Williams, who owns the Memphis Silver Star. I thought it would be a great way to learn and get exposure. It’s crazy because everyone here knows my grandfather. To me, now it is that much more important for me to continue the tradition that has been set.”