NORMAN, OKLA. – Dr. Julie Jones, a lecturer in the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma, has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Scripps Howard Fund for a project aimed at immersing students in investigative journalism within two communities historically affected by racial violence and systemic racism: the area surrounding George Floyd Square in Minneapolis and the Greenwood District of Tulsa. Jones' project is one of only four initiatives this year to be selected for such funding by the Scripps Howard Fund.
The project, “From Tulsa to South Minneapolis,” aims to illuminate a historical connection between these communities. Although geographically distant, both have endured violent acts and systemic racism affecting daily life. A key figure linking their histories is Anthony Brutus Cassius, who, as a 13-year-old, was sent to Minneapolis by his father shortly after the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Cassius later became a prominent figure in South Minneapolis through his businesses and advocacy.
Inspired by her discovery of the historical connections between these communities, Jones has designed a project in which 10 students from Gaylord College will embark on a three-week intensive reporting journey in May and June 2024. This period is significant because it aligns with the fourth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder and the 103rd anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
Students will spend six days in Minneapolis and five in Tulsa, working directly out of the neighborhoods on which they are reporting. They will connect with key figures and investigate inequalities and achievements within each area. Before starting their on-the-ground reporting, students will immerse themselves in the history of both locations. This project will result in multimedia stories for Gaylord News.
Jones is looking forward to seeing what stories the students can uncover. “I am excited by the fact that we cannot determine what is going to happen,” Jones said. “That is the beauty of being a journalist — you go out thinking one thing and you come back with something much, much better.”
About the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication
The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma is committed to preparing the next generation of media professionals. The college offers five undergraduate majors in advertising, creative media production, journalism, professional writing and public relations, providing students with a diverse and engaging educational experience. In addition to its undergraduate offerings, Gaylord College features graduate and Ph.D. programs, as well as an online master’s degree. These advanced programs are designed to nurture academic excellence, adapt to diverse learning needs and inspire innovative thinking among students. For more information, visit ou.edu/gaylord.
About the Scripps Howard Fund
The Scripps Howard Fund is a public charity that supports philanthropic causes important to The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) and the communities it serves, with a special emphasis on journalism education, excellence in journalism and childhood literacy. At the crossroads of the classroom and the newsroom, the Fund is a leader in supporting journalism through scholarships, internships, minority recruitment and development and First Amendment causes. The Scripps Howard Awards stand as one of the industry’s top honors for outstanding journalism, and the Fund’s annual “If You Give a Child a Book …” childhood literacy campaign has distributed thousands of new books to children in need across the nation. In support of its mission to create a better-informed world, the Fund also partners with Scripps brands to create awareness of local issues and support organizations that help build thriving communities. The Scripps Howard Foundation, an affiliated organization with the Scripps Howard Fund, supports Scripps’ charitable efforts through its endowment, key projects and major donations.
