National Native News and Black Lives Matter
National Native News was recently honored by the Native American Journalists Association for coverage of the Native community in the Twin Cities following the murder of George Floyd. Many members of the Native community stood in solidarity with those in the Black Lives Matter movement recognizing similarities Native people face when it comes to policing, and the U.S. justice system. Members of the Native community also took it upon themselves to patrol Native businesses, housing and other areas in their community during the unrest. National Native News continued coverage not only in Minnesota, but across the U.S. following the toppling of statues, and some states passing "anti-riot" bills.
Antonia Gonzales (Navajo, above left) is anchor and producer of National Native News and a correspondent for New Mexico In Focus/NMPBS. She is the creator, host and producer of the special series Alaska's Native Voice, and recently served as guest host of Native America Calling.
Rhonda LeValdo (Acoma Pueblo, below left) is a professor in Media Communications at Haskell Indian Nations University, host for Native Spirit Radio 90.1 FM-KKFI Kansas City, and freelancer for National Native News and Native News Network. LeValdo is also a past president of the Native American Journalists Association and currently sits on the board of directors for Indian Country Today.
Series organizers: Dr. Mary Texeira (Sociology), Robie Madrigal (Pfau Library), Dr. Jeremy Murray (History), Stan Futch (President, WAG), and CSUSB students Marlo Brooks, Zoralynn Oglesby, Jade McDonald, Jaime Castro, Connie Cornejo, and Evelyn Jimenez. Click here to view previous panels in the Conversations on Race and Policing series.
For questions, contact Robie Madrigal (rmadriga@csusb.edu) or Jeremy Murray (jmurray@csusb.edu).
CSUSB Conversations on Race and Policing Home Page