Beyond The Mourning After

Creative Loafing, January 20-26, 2011
NEWS ARTICLE:  The Mourning After
by Wyatt Wiliams

In completing our assignment, I have selected Wyatt William's review of The Mourning After, a powerfully written depiction of the immediate events after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, leading up to his funeral, written by Rebecca Burns. 

I was drawn to the article not only for its cultural and historic appeal; but also for the sophisticated, the graphicly rich and well written, manner that Williams and Creative Loafing approached a simple book review and book signing.  Each paragraph is well written, although they vary greatly in length.

Throughout the article Williams gives us a glimpse at each speaker. However, he given a more in depth look at Burns, a former editor-in-chief of Atlanta Magazine, an how the influences of her childhood in India caused her to be "struck by the parrallels between Jim Crow segregation and [India's] caste system."

The "topic" sentence of the article is found in the first paragraph:  "Rebecca Burns' new book, Burial for a King, begins that day in Atlanta, as the news passes through restaurants and telephones, from radios and televisions, over symphonies and street corners, and ends as his body is laid in the ground the following Tuesday, April 9 (page 23)."

Burns, in her first of many quotes, is the first person quoted in the  second line of paragraph two. In this lengthy article, Williams confidently uses the quotes of four different speakers [not including that of Dr. King] instead of paraphrasing.  In the instances of three of the speakers, the writer uses location as the introductory element to those particular quotes.

In Rebecca Burns' first quote, paragraph two starts with a leading sentence which sets the tone for the first quote. Williams uses the introductory element of a location : 'In Washington D.C.'," to the quote itself.  The actual quote describes the lightening speed of the reaction to King's murder in the Black community, and the widespread rioting and violence that ensued within a few hours of his death.

A similar technique is employed in the quotes of Gov. Lester Maddox, as well as, 
Stokley Carmichael.  Both quotes are introduced by citing the speakers location.
In the case of Maddox, his quote exposes him as being an unsympathetic racist,
"In Atlanta, tensions were high that similar violence would break out.  Gov.
Lester Maddox refused to lower the flag at the State Capital in honor of King,
and reportedly ordered troops to 'shoot them down and stack them up' if protestors
tried to enter the building." 

Maddox later agreed to lower the U. S. flag after being told that he was federally
required to do so.  In contrast, the quote by Stokley Carmichael conveys to the
reader that he is not only an author, but a activist prepared for revolution.
William writes, "Black Power author Stokley Carmichael addressed a  memorial at
Howard University by waving a pistol and repeating,'Stay off the streets if you
don't have a gun, beause there's going to be shooting.'"

Throughout the article Williams gives us a glimpse at each speaker. However,
he given a more in depth look at Burns, a former editor-in-chief of Atlanta Magazine,
an how the influences of her childhood in India caused her to be "struck by the
parrallels between Jim Crow segregation and [India's] caste system."

The last paragraph of the article brings the attention squarely back to Martin
Luther King, Jr., although his personage only "appears as a corpse lying in a
coffin."  The writer invites the reader to imagine what it would have been like the

day of King's funeral hearing his recorded voice.

The article ends with a rather long but eloquent quote, in which Dr. King explained
what he would liked to have said about him at his funeral, describing himself as a
"drum major" for peace and justice.

To read William's review of The Mourning After, visit: 

http://clatl.com/atlanta/what-happened-after-mlk-died/Content?oid=2668606

OBJECTIVITY IN JOURNALISM: A Matter of Principles

From the early days of the birth of this country, the Press was thought to be "the best instrument for the enlightenment of man," said Thomas Jefferson (Gibbs  and Warhover 17).  Since that time, Journalist have approached their work endowed with the responsibility of providing truth and accuracy to the public, often times at their own peril.

Still, "Journalists begin to realize that realism and reality - or accuracy and truth were not easily equated," and fair does not necessarily mean balanced (Kovach and Rosenthatl 39).  Still other Journalists have unwittingly printed information without verifying the source of the information.

Today, in order to be of reputable service to the public, a Journalist must add a fourth leg to their three-legged  responsibilities of storytelling, information gathering, and conversation.  They must also realize that they need to show their objectivity through following a verification process.

In addition, by explaining to the public their transparent, “watchdog" approach in gathering and printing information, it would provide some measure of security to communities in a democracy.

In order to eliminate the stigma of potential bias, the Press would do well to incorporate the "journalism of objective method," and intellectual principles of a science of reporting and thoroughly reject the journalism of assertion (Kovach and Rosenthal 89). 

Non-Traditional Students Cause Spike In College Enrollment

The faces on college and university campuses are changing these days more than ever.  School isn't just for recent high school graduates anymore as thousands return back to college campuses.  Faced with an ever changing job market and corporate downsizing, many Americans have opt to return to institutions of higher learning to facilitate career changes, or simply to enrich their lives. 

Across the country, Continuing Education programs such as the Pauline E. Drake Scholars (PEDS) at historic Spelman College, are experiencing a surge in enrollment of non-traditional students.   The program offers the opportunity for African American women 25 years and older  to continue their education and earn Bachelor degrees at their own pace. 



Alonda Turner



PEDS current president, Alonda Turner, a 2013 graduating Senior, majoring in chemistry is one of those fortunate students.  A military spouse, she successfully balances work and home life as she pursues her educational goals.  Turner states that she, like many other PEDS students, come to Spelman after delays from community college, and other life changing events.  



The same holds true for PEDS students Adrienne Scandrett and Roslyn Miller.   Scandrett, a devoted aunt, dedicated much of her time and resources into the raising of a young niece.  After much selfless sacrifice, hard work, and grueling two day testing, she was certified as a Professional Secretary and certified  as a Administrative Assistant.

For Scandrett her success at those programs was  a source of inspiration, "at that time, I made up my mind to go back to school to complete a bachelor degree" she says.  Currently, she is on track to graduate in 2014 with a degree in Psychology.



In Miller's case, after a stressful career as a Radiological Medical Transcriptionist, the Philadelphia native   reached a point when she knew that she just "couldn't do it anymore" she state emphatically.  "One day I just pushed my chair back and knew that I wanted more," she continued.  

Instead she opted for a three hundred-sixty degree turn in favor or a career that offered fun and excitement.   Miller recently packed her bags and enrolled at Spelman College as a PEDS student majoring in Drama and Dance.  “The way that I see it, it’s time for me now” she said proudly, as she walked away to catch an awaiting shuttle.

Photography and Graphics, Courtesy of Lori Moore Photography