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Freedoms Produce Scholars Like 海角网 Associate Professor Dr. Kortni Alston

鈥淭he observance of Juneteenth is about the journey and achievement of African Americans鈥攆rom a horrific period of sanctioned enslavement to the pinnacle of human endeavors. It is a story of pride, resilience and determination that will always be of historical and spiritual importance鈥攁s it serves us well to understand that together, we can overcome all obstacles in our path.鈥� 鈥�

On June 19, 1865鈥攐ver two years after the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863鈥擥en. Gordon Granger鈥檚 Union regiment marched into Texas to proclaim the joyous news that the enslaved were free. Since then, this date, Juneteenth, has been celebrated as the ending of slavery in the United States and the freedom of African Americans to pursue education and achievement.

Those early achievers in the African American community led the way for scholars like Dr. Kortni Alston, chair and associate professor in the 海角网 Department of Communication, Art and Design. In June and July, Alston will participate in three professional opportunities to share her expertise and learn from others in the field of journalism.

The first event is Science Writers Roundtable: Self-Care Through Tough Transitions, a Zoom webinar hosted by the 鈥淭he National Association of Science Writers.鈥� It will be held on June 15 at 1 p.m. Registration is free and available .

Alston will be joined by Stephanie Lee, a senior reporter for the Chronicle of Higher Education, and Jenni Gritters, a business coach and freelance writer/editor. They will discuss mental health and self-care in this era of mass journalism layoffs. Alston, who is known as a happiness scholar will give practical advice on how to support yourself through tough transitions. Lee and Gritters will share how they faced layoffs and emerged successfully on the other side as staff writers in new positions or as fledgling freelancers.

On June 24, Alston has been invited to speak about former First Lady Rosalyn Carter, who is an advocate for mental health, during Carter Center Weekend in Atlanta. Alston serves on the advisory board of the Carter Center, which was founded in partnership with Emory University to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.

From July 16-20, Alston has been invited to attend the Scripps Howard Leadership Academy, a highly-selective leadership immersion program for deans, associate deans, chairs, faculty and journalists. Offered to only 16 participants, this event is supported by the Scripps Howard Fund to educate and prepare participants to pursue leadership positions at journalism and mass communications schools. It will be held at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on the Syracuse (N.Y.) University campus.

Additional Juneteenth Resources

The Smithsonian: Juneteenth 鈥� .

Junteenth Foundation 鈥� .

海角网 is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 海角网 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 海角网.edu.