The Announcement of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize Winners
In collaboration with The News Literacy Project and The Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria
In partnership with The News Literacy Project, students in a digital media course at The Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria had the opportunity to attend the announcement of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize Winners at Columbia University. Participants had a discussion with Dana Canedy, administrator of the Pulitzer Prizes.
TENZIN C.
"Before the Pulitzer Prizes, I hadn’t been as intrigued by journalism. While the concept of media excited me, journalism hadn’t been a topic I’ve wanted to uncover. The Pulitzer Prizes allowed me to gain a new perspective of journalism and how it can relate our generation. Witnessing Ms. Canedy announce the awards for journalists regarding topics like sexual assault and brutality presented a sense of empowerment I really admired. My understanding of journalism and how universal it could be towards an audience allowed me to obtain a stronger passion for media and a new passion for journalism. I can definitely say my understanding for journalism’s evolved vastly. Having seen history seen through my eyes - like Kendrick Lamar being the first hip hop artist awarded a Pulitzer - makes this moment that more special. Since the Pulitzers, I’ve been able to communicate what, how, and why I’m interested in digital media. I aspire to write like Clare Balding and Rachel Kaadzi Ganash, who unveil the harsh realities of our world. Attending the Pulitzer Prizes built this goal of mine to produce work that starts conversation and teaches all generations of our current world and how we can better it."
ANDREA
"I wholeheartedly believe that the 2018 Pulitzer Prize award winners reflect how our society is changing and evolving at a constant rate, as well as reflects how a large majority of people are currently feeling about our society's current situation regarding many sensitive topics. The Pulitzers this year rewarded someone that I believed wouldn’t be recognized as an important artist by this organization, Kendrick Lamar. This is because previous to this year, no music other than classical, contemporary, or jazz have been awarded this title. I believe this is partly because of how society previously saw only those specific genres as the most “important” ones, not recognizing that hip hop and R&B, as well as others are becoming increasingly popular and influential genres, especially with teens who are the future voices and leaders of the world that are looking up to him as an inspirational person, especially as a person of color who gives the example that with passion, nonstop working, vigorous motivation and bravery for expressing themselves freely, anyone can become successful and prosperous. The Pulitzers also recognized another important social issue that regards how women are still not seen as equals to men in our modern day society, as many women are sexually abused and neglected in their field of work. This issue was covered by The New York Times, showcasing how unfortunately common it is for women who are extravagantly powerful and work in Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and politics to go through this, even though they should be treated and seen on the same level with the same dignity and respect that their male colleagues are given simply because of gender roles, stereotypes, and “molds” that society has created for people. Rewarding this investigation expresses how more women are becoming bolder and less intimidated by others and their opinions, and recognize that they should have no fear or guilt for what has been done to them. It is now that women are rising and standing up for themselves and each other to serve justice and call out those who have done them wrong. The non-fiction winner ("Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America" by James Forman Jr. ) illuminates the longtime racism, oppression, and violence that the U.S. has allowed African-Americans to live through without a care, even though racism supposedly “doesn’t exist.” It also shows the double standards that America currently has now, leading to more people of color being arrested and incarcerated than those who aren’t. It goes to show that this year's Pulitzer Prize is one for the ages, as it tackled head on several social issues and uplifted the spirits of many people, as they were able to understand that their voices and worries were being heard and listened to instead of merely going through deaf ears. This year marks an important year in history regarding being able to expose things for the better or for the worse, enlightening all."
KAYLLA
"The Pulitzer Prize announcement was a particular event that I was excited to go to because it captures the importance of journalism. I loved that the news stories that were recognized were ones that exposed truth about our society, and I couldn’t get enough of the fact that it was Dana Canedy as the administrator. For me, she was an inspiration. Her words to us after the ceremony were so empowering and motivational in terms of fighting against the odds of poor grades to reach her goals. In a society where women are often seen as sexual objects with little value, I believe her presence in the Pulitzer awards ceremony told a different story for the future generations. She portrayed how despite her struggles and the obstacles set upon her path, she, as a woman, was able to overcome them and grab great success with her own hands. This is what young girls should see; this is what young girls should strive for; this is what young girls should acknowledge throughout their lives. Nothing is impossible because you can achieve anything with a positive attitude."
ISHIA
"A moment that really empowered me during the Pulitzer Prizes was when Kendrick Lamar won in the music section of the Pulitzer. This was a big moment for the hip hop industry and highlighted the impact of this genre of music in the world. Kendrick Lamar was born and raised in Compton, California and his album Damn. was awarded for being, "a virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African-American life.” In previous Pulitzer Awards, only jazz and classical musicians would win, so it was a big change in the industry that a hip-hop artist was a recipient of the award. It is also empowering to know that the artist was from our generation that people look up to, not just a musician, but as someone who uses his platform to spread powerful messages. This shows just how much hip hop can be inspirational to young people and at the same time shed light on issues going on in our society."
SONAM
"Before the Pulitzer Prizes, I always had a strict mindset towards media and journalism. The feeling of boredom and distaste was my reaction towards journalism at first. Then, I took a Digital Media program, just to try it out. Digital Media gave me a chance to attend one of the most prestigious award ceremonies for the achievement of different areas in journalism. After attending the Pulitzer Prizes and meeting many journalists, I saw from a different light the world of media and journalism. I have come to realize the importance of writing and spreading awareness to the world through journalism and media. It has shown me that without journalism, there would be no one in the world to spread the truth and aware the public of issues. During the speech of Dana Canedy, she mentioned the #MeToo movement. I found this very inspiring because I am a young girl that attends an all-girls school. So, when she mentioned this movement, I came to realize the power of writing. The power of one’s voice can be as impactful as writing a piece to support one’s belief."
AIME
"Out of all the awards that were given today, I can honestly say that I only recognized one artist. Walking in I would have never guessed that a hip-hop artist would have won an award for journalism. That was the only thing that surprised me that day. The fancy designs, and being in a well-known university gave me a sense of upper class. The time had come when the awards were to be announced. The names of those who won an award were unknown to me. These winners never won Grammys, never performed in front of huge crowds with thousands of fans chanting their names. They never made headlines or were bombarded by paparazzi on the streets. What opportunities can I get? I’m from a small school that no one knows about, I’ve never had one of my pieces published outside of school and read by people all over the world. This is my first year writing and I don’t have years and years of experience. Before going in, I expected well known writers to come up, but was surprised to hear that people were given opportunities to submit their pieces no matter where they come from. I can find that brave side within me and submit my pieces knowing that I have a chance. I can write a piece not worrying about how more famous people will be noticed while I never move forward in the writing industry. Hope is the only word I can use to describe hearing this and the other speeches made at the Pulitzer Prize. Hope to come out as a writer and be recognized for the thing that I love most to do. I hope to one day be able to call the award mine. My Pulitzer Prize."
TSERING
"One specific moment that genuinely impacted me while attending the Pulitzer Prize Awards was a phrase that Dana Canedy said. She said, “If I can do it, you can do it”. Dana, as a young girl that was born and raised in a small town in Kentucky and not a straight A student, inspired me to accomplish many different things I have interest in. I felt that her story and background truly associated with my current life. As a ninth grader in The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria, I most definitely don't attain straight A’s. I’m currently attending an afterschool Digital Media Program. After experiencing and performing so many projects correlating with journalism, whether it be generating a news story or creating a news article, I have gained much of an interest in journalism. After hearing these words come from Dana Canedy, I was inspired to be like her and to achieve things I greatly have a passion for."
TENZIN S.
"My relationship with media and journalism before the Pulitzer Prize awards was more based on celebrity gossip than actual news in the world. After hearing Dana Canedy's speech on journalism and its impact on the world around us, I realized that journalism and media is far more complex than just gossip. A moment that stuck with me was when Canedy mentioned the #MeToo movement and a wide variety of issues that has arisen in our world today. As a woman in society, I can relate to the #MeToo movement and create a connection with women who have come forward as a victim. It showcased the effort and passion that went behind each article to reveal the truth for the public to see. If it wasn’t for journalists, we would not be able uncover the truth on sexual harassment in the acting industry. To add on, there were also journalists that shed light on big issues being ignored by the public, that were awarded a Pulitzer. Journalism and media is more than just the gossip read on social media, but it is news that impacts and effects people all around the world. From this experience, I have grown to have a huge respect for journalists in the world that work to deliver real news to the public."
