Nationally recognized journalist tackles "diversity and the new media" at ACU symposium

Abilene Christian University's Department of Journalism and Mass Communication begins its Distinguished Speaker Series on Friday, Sept. 26. Hamil Harris, a staff writer for The Washington Post will speak about "Diversity and the new media. Are you ready?"

"Hamil is the perfect person to begin our distinguished speakers series," said Dr. Cheryl Bacon, chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. "He well represents diversity in media: diversity of media application, diversity in the topics on which he's reported, diversity in his sensitivity to the role of race and ethnicity in today's media environment."

Harris is an award-winning journalist, author of a Gardner's Guide for journalists, Career Diary of a Newspaper Reporter, and contributor to the book Being a Black Man: At the Corner of Progress and Peril.

Harris has received numerous awards for his work during his career, including honors from the
Associated Press, Sigma Delta Chi, the University of Maryland College of Journalism, the American Association of University Women, and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Prior to working at The Washington Post, Harris was a White House correspondent for Afro American Newspaper, Capitol Hill correspondent for American Urban Radio Networks and a regular contributor to Black Enterprise magazine. He also has worked for the Associated Press, CBS News Radio, Pacifica Network News, WPFW and Crisis magazine. Harris has been an analyst on CNN, MSNBC, Fox Television, ABC News Channel 8, Cable 16's "Reporters Round Table" and the syndicated political program, "In The Know."

Harris earned a bachelor's degree from Florida State University, a master's degree from the University of Maryland and a Certificate in Biblical Studies from Capital Bible Seminary. He is working on his Master of Divinity degree at Harding Graduate School of Religion in Memphis, Tenn. Harris has lectured at the American University, the University of Maryland, Florida State University, the University of the District of Columbia, Howard University, Central State University, and for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

Friday's lecture is scheduled for 2-3 p.m. in Cullen Auditorium. A book signing will immediately follow the afternoon’s symposium.

Harris also will be speaking Thursday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. in Hart Auditorium in a Chapel Forum entitled "I am a Christian. I am Journalist. So What?" Both lectures are open to the public.

"Hamil is larger than life. He is a great story teller, in person, in print, online, in images," Bacon said. "He is the converged journalist we want our students to become."

If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2692.