photo by Brooks Peterson
A friend said this about my Intern Edition story:
"Will -- your piece was great. You got spectacular actualities, and I learned a lot, which is more than I can say for many pieces!
You have an elegant writing style as well, and good voicing. You should feel really good about this day."
NPR's Religion Correspondent, Barbara Bradley Hagerty
In depth Biography:
In the Beginning...
I walked a long road before realizing my passion for public radio. My passion for writing remains; without writing there are no stories. Also, our cultural memory will lack.
In high school
My creativity began in my youth...I have written since my youth. I earned praise, in my 10th grade creative class for conceiving a billboard, coupon insert and accompanying copy for a long since forgotten product. I knew that I must gear myself to hone my talents for writing. I enjoyed this during my college years, when I studied film history: I wrote a column on film for my dormitory newsletter.
After I left college the first time to work in "the world."
I briefly joined with a former school-mate to create a wholy unique magazine devoted to multi-cultural people, their families, and friends: "Shades Magazine: A New World
." We lacked the chops to sell the concept, so it folded.
Between 2000 and 2006...
I have created, produced and hosted one hour conversations on Twin Cities' KFAI Radio titled,On Topic
. I wanted to satisfy my curiosity and control the content, so I created the program. Topics included confusion about bisexuality and the complexities of domestic abuse.
I spoke with professionals, clinicians and layexperts. At Issue
was praised by the facility production manager, You are a professional.
I renamed this "On Topic" after the political program at the local ABC affiliate chose "At Issue," which I had not copywritten, for that program.
I had only a vague understanding that this was journalism.
Fall 2006, I returned to the University of Minnesota after at least a year of hemming and hawing.
Summer of 2007...
During the summer, I produced and hosted my best hour of "On Topic" to date; it discussed the legacy and life lessons of renaissance African-American artist Gordon Parks. I spoke with his family members to learn about the man and their uncle, aside from the icon whom some people know.
Fall of 2007...
September 2007 to December of 2007 I had the honor and privilege of interning at National Public Radio's Tell Me More program. While I was there, I also reported a story for the Fall 2007 Intern Edition. Inspired or provoked by a Baltimore Times headline: “Bush urges GOP to woo Blacks,”
I became curious about African-American Republicans. Because of that I reported a story called "Black Republicans fight for their Political Voice" for Intern Edition.
The experience was amazing. Especially for a man of color to work at NPR. That's major. For me to work on a show of color was important too. I made friends and found mentors and teachers who were very cool, giving and patient. I met people who can continue to help and teach me even across the distance between Minneapolis and the District.