Portfolio

Fall 2018 Journalism Practicum (The Telegraph) Portfolio

1. On The Table Story: https://www.macon.com/news/local/article219726545.html

MACON, GA — The Community Foundation of Central Georgia, with funding from the Knight Foundation, will lead On The Table, an initiative that invites residents to discuss how to improve the community.

On The Table started five years ago in Chicago by the Chicago Community Trust. It has been replicated across the country.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has assisted with the growth of the initiative. The foundation is not only funding Macon’s Wednesday event, but it is sponsoring it in nine other cities.

“It’s a community engagement initiative. That’s the way I look at it. And we’re spearheading this, but it belongs to the community,” said Kathryn Dennis, president of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.

(Visit the link for more of the story).

Problem/Solution Reflection: In many cities, residents may feel like they don’t have a say in local change. Those interviewed for the On The Table story emphasized the importance of change, getting involved and making different voices heard. The initiative itself could be a solution to the lack of community progress and community involvement, not just for Macon but for many cities. As it is still new, it remains to be seen whether it is a viable solution or not.

 

2. Estelle Herndon Story: https://www.macon.com/news/local/article219312955.html

MACON, GA — For more than 50 years, Estelle Herndon kept a secret.

It took her 25 years to tell her husband, and now she is sharing her personal story with the world.

“A friend of mine in a Sunday school class, Karen Allen, just said everybody has a story, and they need to tell it,” said Herndon, 78. At one of the group meetings, Allen told everyone to write down their stories.

Herndon’s story was that her father sexually abused her for 10 years, from age 5 to 15 when she got married, Herndon said. In January 2017, she released a book called “Finding His Strength,” which details her personal journey toward God and her healing process.

(Visit the link for more of the story).

Problem/Solution Reflection: The Estelle Herndon story addresses healing through trauma. It is not a secret that Georgia has one of the highest sex trafficking rates in the United States. I think Estelle Herndon’s story can give a sense of hope to those who suffer or have suffered from sexual assault. Other than psychological healing, the author is offering a solution by giving the proceeds of her book to the Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia in order to help victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse. The solution offered is not tackling the problem of sexual assault by going after offenders, but it is making a difference in the lives of victims.