UH Global Communication Summit Explores Intersection of Journalists and Activists

Feb. 22 Bilingual Conference Examines Relationship Between Media and Social Movements

The growing trend of advocacy journalism and journalists as activists is the focus of the University of Houston Jack J. Valenti School of Communication’s second annual Global Communication Summit from 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22 at the University of Houston Athletics and Alumni Center, 3204 Cullen Blvd, Houston, 77004.

This year’s theme, “Media for Social Justice: Journalism + Activism + Technology” will bring together journalists, activists, scholars and students from the United States and Latin America to explore the relationship between media and social movements. The daylong event features panel discussions and workshops in English and Spanish. Click here to learn more about the conference, speakers and see the full agenda.

“Most journalists aren’t specifically trained to cover protests, and most activists aren’t trained communicators, so with the recent uptick in protests worldwide, it has become all the more urgent for us to seek ways that journalists and activists can better relate to each other,” said Summer Harlow, assistant professor of Journalism and conference organizer. “This conference is unique in that we are trying to bridge that gap in an effort to improve journalistic coverage of social movements and protests, which are an important part of the democratic process.”

WHAT: Second Annual Global Communication Summit “Media for Social Justice: Journalism + Activism + Technology”

WHO: Valenti School of Communication and with support from the UH College of Liberal Artsand Social Sciences, Hispanic Media Studies department and the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals

WHEN: 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 22

WHERE: University of Houston Athletics and Alumni Center, 3204 Cullen Blvd, Houston, 77004 (click here for map). Metered guest parking is across the street in Lot 16B (click here for parking map) and the stadium garage.

SPECIAL NOTE: A screening of 500 Years, a documentary about the indigenous peoples of Guatemala and a conversation with keynote speaker Irma Velásquez Nimatuj will immediately follow the conference from 6-9 pm at the Student Center Theater, 4455 University Drive, Houston, 77024.