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By Krystle Gibbons – Dallas South News Intern

Though some have forecast a premature death for the school, Paul Quinn College was alive and well last Tuesday night. Paul Quinn celebrated the third week of Black History Month with a panel discussion titled New Media v. Old Media: Does Either Make a Difference for African-Americans?

Ms. Cheryl Smith introduced the media affiliated panelists that included Gromer Jeffers (The Dallas Morning News), Dawn Mann (Break of Day Design AD & PR LLC), Steve Pickett (CBS 11), Shawn Williams (Dallas South News), and Angelique Tege (Ion Television).

A large group of students listened intently to the great conversations that developed from this topic. Panelists brought their own backgrounds, knowledge, and opinions, which created an entertaining and informative mixture for the event.

Various issues came across in the discussion, from subtle racism in the media to how old media now adapts to new media ideas. One panelist even spoke about receiving his job only because “…the one black guy (there before me) left.” Another panelist described how her hairstyle and general appearance afforded her some job opportunities and was negative in many other circumstances.

Many students in the audience asked the panel questions. One student asked, “What methods do you think you can use to get young people away from the Xbox…” and paying attention to the news? The responses to this question left the room inspired “…to become triple threats…” Angelique Tege suggested.   She said in today media world journalists must be ready to hold the camera, grab a microphone, and edit the footage all alone if need be.

Another student, asked how news organization decides what’s relevant, and whether or not they think Paul Quinn itself  is relevant. Mr. Steve Pickett responded by explaining the process that takes place in newsrooms across the country daily.  He described the 9:30am meeting where a group of journalists and decision makers brainstorm ideas. Mr. Pickett emphasized the importance of diversity in the newsroom. He stated, “…It’s critical and important to have people who look like you sitting at the table because we can make the decision,” and show relevant topics that affect our community.

The panelists covered the ethics of news stations and how news is starting to resemble entertainment. While many of us in the younger generation may be unfamiliar with some of the references to using a Kindle vs. reading a hardcopy newspaper leisurely, the mix of old and new that the panel brought was rather encouraging.

The panel referenced TMZ many times, as the audience nodded in agreement that they do receive info from TMZ. Mr. Shawn Williams also noted, “TMZ was the first to report Michael Jackson’s death.”

The event concluded with the President of Paul Quinn College, Michael J. Sorrell, sharing his appreciation for all who came out and those who continue to support the school and its students. He noted that many people don’t realize that Paul Quinn is still a functioning college and that it’s important to get the word out.

Many of Paul Quinn’s students in attendance at this event stayed after to share their ideas with panel guests more than twenty minutes following the event’s conclusion. A large circle of students with smiles on their faces discussed getting publicity for their college and starting their own blog.  They were motivated to get involved and keep Paul Quinn College on everyone’s mind.

I left the event feeling not only inspired but also informed in so many ways. A school that I did not know was still running left me wanting to know more and help to show that Paul Quinn is most definitely in the land of the living.

The series will conclude next week with a political forum featuring Dallas County judicial candidates.  It will also be held at the Tigers Den in the Paul Quinn Student Union.

Krystle Gibbons is a senior communications major at the University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson.  She can be reached at krystlego8@gmail.com.

Photos by Krystle Gibbons