This past Saturday in San Antonio, Mekahlo Medina, the new president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), shared his term with a challenge. Here is what he said:
In a separate email to NAHJ members (Latino Rebels is a member), Medina wrote this:
The next two years will be all about growth. Together, we will see changes that not only impact our members, the Latino community but all of America.
As I said Saturday night, it begins with you.
Be unafraid as you go back to your newsroom this week. Demand better coverage of Latinos. Begin creating a local database of Latino experts for your newsroom to utilize in all coverage.
Be unafraid as you walk into your bosses office. Tell them you are ready for more… to be the next 11 o’clock anchor, the next metro editor, the next managing editor or the next general manager. And if you are not ready, develop a path to get ready.
Be unafraid to know your worth as a Latino in any newsroom across the country. You bring insight and knowledge about a key demographic no other journalist can offer.
Ask the question this week, why not me?
Why not you as the next chief anchor of a network?
Why not you as the next Executive Editor of a newspaper?
Why not you as the next president of the news organization?Ask yourself that question, begin to find some answers and together NAHJ, our familia and you can start planning for stronger, impactful and powerful future.
As an organization that has never asked for permission for anything and believes in always being bold, Latino Rebels would like to echo Medina’s sentiments and congratulate him for his words. We would also like to congratulate him on his election and offer our sincerest thanks to outgoing president Hugo Balta for putting NAHJ on a course for greater things. There was a time not so long when NAHJ wasn’t taking a leadership role in helping to change the perceptions of Latinos and media. Those days have passed.
Be bold. Always be bold.
