SOC Congratulates 2021 RACE Matters Grantees 

American University School of Communication’s Race and Communication Exploration (RACE) Matters Initiative was launched in 2020. The Initiative confronts racism through scholarship, teaching, and public engagement in the field of communication. It seeks to sustain and build upon racially equitable and inclusive organizational practices within SOC to foster a more inclusive work and learning environment. SOC is delighted to see this work continue with the recipients of the 2021-2022 RACE Matters Grants. 

These grantees include: 
Professor Paula Weissman“We Stand For Democracy” looks inside the perspectives of Black CEO activism on voting rights. Weissman will conduct a detailed and pertinent research study that will contemplate race as a motivating factor for CEO participation in public interest communication and advocacy.

Professor Laura Waters Hinson
The premiere event of Waters Hinson’s newest film, “Street Reporter,” was produced with community collaborators, and provides a window into the power of community journalism in one woman’s life. 

SOC Communication and Outreach 
This department will be curating a student photo series that showcases how SOC students have found and created a sense of belonging at American University. The exhibit will consist of a series of photo profiles that highlight a cross-section of SOC students who are involved with affinity groups reflecting different identities.

Professor Gemma Puglisi
In the classroom, she will be working to mark the 10-year anniversary of the death of Troy Anthony Davis with one of her courses, ‘ “The PR Portfolio Class—The Troy Davis Project.

Investigative Reporting Workshop (IRW) and the Journalism Division
Together, IRW and SOC’s Journalism Division will also be hosting an event called, “Economic and Social Justice Coverage Through a More Diverse Lens. This conversation and networking event is aimed at diversifying the pipeline of investigative journalists of color; it will foster honest and thought-provoking conversation on the last year of reporting and the state of the industry.