Free Spirit Journalism Conference offers insight to young journalists

This summer I was selected to represent the state of Kentucky in the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference in Washington D.C. Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today, the Freedom Forum, and Newseum created this program to encourage student journalists to pursue journalism careers. Neuharth passed away in 2013, but he left all current and future journalists with his inspiring words, “Dream, Dare, Do.” 

In this all-expenses paid one week journalism conference, I was able to meet and be friends with 50 other journalists, one from each state (including the District of Columbia). I was told that these people that I would meet would become friends for life, which could not have been more true. 

A portion of this conference was listening to panels of other journalists that have succeeded in the industry. I was able to listen to journalists from The New York Times and The Washington Post. I was also able to hear from a notable photographer who worked for The Associated Press and see some of his most famous photographs of presidents and other events. Listening to this panel made me realize the importance of photojournalism and how it could possibly be a career for me.

One of the most important messages I saw at the conference was the importance of the First Amendment. According to the Newseum, many Americans today are not able to recite all five freedoms listed in the First Amendment, freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and to petition the government.  Most of the time, the Free Spirits were at the Newseum, exploring all of the exhibits it had to offer. The Newseum had the First Amendment posted everywhere and even engraved on the side of the building. 

In the front of the Newseum, there were newspapers from every state on display. I thought that this was interesting to see all of the differing headlines and front pages from state to state. One exhibit that stood out to me in the Newseum was seeing all of the past Pulitzer Prize winning photographs. Seeing these photos was inspiring for what future photojournalists would be able to accomplish one day. Another exhibit that stood out to me was the 9/11 exhibit. Every newspaper’s front page report of this event was displayed, even those from different countries. It was fascinating to see what other countries perceived of the event and how differing news sites reported it. 

Learning about the importance of journalism wasn’t the only insightful part of the trip. Visiting some of D.C.’s most notable attractions was an opportunity for an in-person learning experience. One of the most memorable experiences was seeing where 16th President Abraham Lincoln was shot. The Free Spirits and I then followed the trail that Assassin John Wilkes Booth may have taken after the shooting. Along this trail was the street in front of the White House where an “Impeach 45” protest was happening: another example of the first amendment in action. 

Overall, the conference was an eye-opening moment for me into the world of journalism. From meeting successful people in the field to seeing some of the most important places in Washington D.C, this experience has influenced me greatly on whether or not I wanted to pursue a career in journalism. It is opportunities like these that influence young journalists’ future plans. As a young journalist, I hope to continue my education studying communication and hopefully becoming a notable name like the ones I heard. 

If any are interested, the application for the 2020 Free Spirit and Journalism Conference is currently open on freespirit.org.