I have a dream…
Since I was a young child, I have had a dream of writing. When I learned how to write, I quickly became infatuated and couldn’t resist curating stories with flowing ink. Daily, my writing evolved; encouraging me to write yet another piece. There were many days in which I would sit away in my bedroom writing and dreaming that my words would one day be read by millions. By the time I entered high school, I was certain that I wanted to turn my dream of writing into a professional reality. As my pen continued to flow, I began to dream of becoming a successful journalist. Similar to the passionate dream I authored in my childhood, I now have an ardent dream. That dream encompasses utilizing my words to unveil the diverse views and lifestyles of those within society. Currently, while working as a student journalist, I am curious as I search for ways in which my dreams can be fostered. Recently, I was inspired by a professional journalist who is blazing the news industry and living my dream. Thankfully, I received the honor of interviewing NBC News Correspondent Blayne Alexander. In an exclusive interview, I spoke with Alexander on being a journalist and how she turned her childhood dreams into professional goals.
Almost twenty-five years ago, a bright eyed young girl named Blayne Alexander stood outside of the 1996 Olympic Park in Atlanta during the Olympic Trials. As she stood there, at just nine years old, dressed in blue jean overalls and a baseball cap, she spoke about the Olympic moments she experienced with her father. Proudly, with a wide smile painted on her small face, she boasted about seeing Florence Griffith “Flo-Jo” Joyner. Yet, in that very moment, not only was Alexander’s love for the Olympics showing, but her dream of becoming a successful journalist was also revealed. “At the end of the trials, when we were getting ready to end our trip, he [her father] recorded me giving a news report; reporting live for the Olympics,” Alexander recalled. “I knew back then that I wanted to do that [journalism] and that this was a career I was really interested in. It’s the one thing that I always remember wanting to do.”
Years later, after ridding herself of the overalls and baseball cap, Alexander’s childhood dreams evolved. Diligently, she applied productive action on top of her dreams and turned them into professional goals. As a result, she has and continues to garner much success. Like many Emmy Award nominated journalists, Alexander’s ever growing credentials are vast, powerful and inspirational. Effectively, she has covered the 2009 and 2013 U.S. Presidential Inaugurations of Former President Barack Obama, 2016 Rio Olympic Games and the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. However, in turning her dreams into professional goals, she has already matched the dreams that whirled in the head of her younger self. “Coming full circle, twenty years later and covering the Rio Olympics was the realization of almost a lifelong dream; a career long dream. I always wanted to go back and cover it [the Olympics]. To go as a journalist, as an adult, and actually cover the Rio Olympics was one of my favorite and most meaningful moments in my career.”
Although journalists such as Alexander have been showcasing both the wonderful and ugly parts of society since the 17th century, the efficacy of the industry has recently come under attack. Within society, the controversial topic of whether the media paints an honest portrait of all individuals is being debated. While many believe that the industry can be viewed as a beacon of unwavering honesty, some are wondering if that beacon is only a small lantern that shines down just one avenue. However, in garnering much success within the news industry, Alexander has discovered the true meaning of journalism and it’s incessant importance within society. Immediately, she implied that journalism is a beacon that assists society in reaching appropriate conclusions regarding various pertinent topics. “It [journalism] means a number of things. One, I think that there is a tremendous weight and responsibility that comes with the fact that a lot of people look to us as journalists, look to my stories and my colleague’s stories for understanding; a greater understanding of what is going on in the world. As journalists,—this year especially—every single thing that we do is consequential. Every single thing that we do in some way informs somebody and helps give them the information they need to make crucial decisions.”
While speaking on the importance of journalism, she also noted that an intricate piece to the industry is displaying diversity and educating individuals on the subjects they may be ignorant towards. “I hope that my stories help inform people, help people understand something better, spark a discussion that they otherwise wouldn’t necessarily have or help people think about something in a different way than perhaps they normally would…To normalize all people having different conversations around the country and around different current events. That’s always been my bedrock; my foundation when I think about stories and the stories that I do. What I hope my colleagues and I—I hope that we are to give people that different perspective. To say, “Wow! I never thought about something this way, but now let me shift my thinking and realize there is this reality, a different reality for other people…they experience this country in a much different way.” Yes, I hope that it [her work] shifts people’s perspective, that it gave them a new way of thinking, but I hope that it was just the beginning.”
Alexander truly understands the purpose of journalism and why it is a much needed necessity. Yet, while the news industry is important, it, like most professional areas, comes with challenges that must be addressed and overcome. Women oftentimes face several challenges in obtaining positions within the news industry. Within the broadcast sector, as of January 2019, women received less on camera and producer credits than men on established news programs. For women of color, the numbers decrease even the more. Only 12.6 percent of local television news staff were women of color. Honestly, Alexander stated that there is a shortage of women, especially Black women within the industry. “When you look across channels and networks, you are going to find Black women in fewer numbers than other counterparts.” However, Alexander also noted that while a shortage may exist, successful Black women in journalism are more than willing to help escort other black female journalists into the newsroom. “One thing that has always been a blessing to me in my career is that I have come across women who have and want to increase the number of Black Women around them. Some of my greatest mentors and friends have come come from different newsrooms because they genuinely have this desire to say “A ha! Here is a young Black Woman. I want to see her grow and shine. I want to help her in any way that I can.” I feel the same way. If there is another Black Woman who walks in my newsroom or joins the network, I’m like “Yes! Let me help you understand how all of this works.” Yes, just as “Flo-Jo” would, Alexander is running past these challenging obstacles and helping others as well.
Similar to other professionals, Alexander has recently been met with a challenge by a different name. Specifically, the current Covid-19 Pandemic has altered how Alexander and other journalist conduct their work. For example, in trying to capture the essence of pertinent stories about Covid-19, the ongoing election process and the effects they both have on society, journalists must remain six feet away from subjects and wear a mask during broadcast. “Finding ways to connect with people,” Alexander commented, “even through the computer is definitely more difficult. One of the best parts of interviewing was that you could build this rapport with somebody beforehand. Now, it’s just like you click a button and everyone is there.” In speaking on these changes within the broadcast sector, she also credited her technical team for creating productive environments despite the Pandemic. “We have some very talented photographers, audio technicians and producers who are coming up with ways to make this work. The other day I interviewed Stacey Abrams via Zoom. We set up this studio outside in my backyard…but we did it almost as though it was a normal interview. I have to give all the kudos to so many of the people who work on our team.”
After this in-depth interview, I am honored to proclaim that Alexander serves as an inspiring catalyst for me. Her story is an epiphany for me and proves that dreams which are curated in youth can be transformed into professional goals. With goals and determination, I, along with many other student journalists, can use the words and stories of Correspondent Blayne Alexander to be powerfully inspired. Yes, I have a dream, honestly, while I may still be standing in front of my own Olympic Park, I now know that my childhood dreams can be transformed into a wonderful reality.