Jesse J. Holland, 2024 Distinguished Service to Journalism Award honoree, in center holding DSA plaque, is flanked by some of his George Washington University journalism students after receiving his plaque at the National Press Club during the SPJ DC Pro Chapter’s annual Dateline Awards and Hall of Fame dinner June 11, 2024. Photo by Randy Showstack
The Society of Professional Journalists Washington, D.C., Pro Chapter honored Jesse J. Holland, journalist, author and journalism educator at George Washington University, with its Distinguished Service to Journalism Award on the evening of June 11, 2024, during its annual Dateline Awards and Hall of Fame dinner.
Holland is associate director at The School of Media & Public Affairs at George Washington University, the author of four books, and editor and author of the award-winning short story anthology “Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda.”
“The landscape of journalism is changing, and we must be willing to change with it. This means embracing new technologies and new ways of storytelling. It means being open to new ideas and new perspectives. It means being willing to take risks and to push the boundaries of what is possible in journalism.” — Jesse J. Holland
Holland serves as a guest host on C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal” and was co-host of BBC World Service Radio’s “A Home For Black History.” He is a former distinguished visiting scholar in residence at the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress and a former Race & Ethnicity reporter at The Associated Press in Washington, where he also served as a White House, Supreme Court and congressional reporter. Holland was awarded a doctor of humane letters degree from LeMoyne Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee.
Here are excerpts from his prepared remarks for the occasion of receiving the DSA from SPJ DC Pro:
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the Society of Professional Journalists’ Washington, D.C., chapter. This recognition means a great deal to me, not just personally, but also because it reaffirms the values that I hold dear and the work we all do in this profession.
“First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Society of Professional Journalists. Your dedication to upholding the standards of our industry is inspiring. It is through your tireless efforts that we continue to strive for excellence, truth and integrity in journalism. Your work ensures that the stories that matter are told with accuracy and fairness, and that the voices of the voiceless are heard.
“I also want to thank the institutions that have allowed me to contribute to the growth and education of future journalists. Goucher College is where I started my academic career, the University of Arkansas, Georgetown University, New York University and now George Washington University have provided incredible platforms for me to give back to our industry. Their support has been invaluable, and I am deeply appreciative. Through these institutions, I have had the opportunity to mentor and guide the next generation of journalists, helping them navigate the complexities of our profession and instilling in them the values of truth, fairness and integrity.
“I would be remiss if I did not thank my wife, Carol, and my children, Rita and Jesse … Being married to a journalist is rough, and having a journalist as a parent is even rougher. … I also want to acknowledge my parents, Jesse and Yvonne, who instilled in me the values of hard work, integrity and the importance of truth. … To my friends and colleagues at the Associated Press and C-SPAN, your camaraderie and support have been instrumental in my career. Your dedication to the craft of journalism and your commitment to excellence have been a constant source of inspiration. …
“And finally, to all the journalists and editors who have helped me along the way, thank you. Your mentorship, collaboration, and dedication to the craft have shaped my career and reinforced my belief in the power of journalism. You have been my teachers, my colleagues, and my friends. Your support and encouragement have been invaluable … .
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to mentor and guide young journalists. It is a privilege to be able to share my knowledge and experience with those who are just starting out in this profession. I am constantly inspired by their passion, their curiosity, and their commitment to the principles of journalism. They are the future of our industry, and I am confident that they will carry forward the legacy of truth, fairness and integrity that we hold so dear.
Journalism is more than just a profession; it is a calling. It is a commitment to seeking the truth, to shining a light on injustice, and to holding the powerful accountable.
Jesse J. Holland
“Journalism is more than just a profession; it is a calling. It is a commitment to seeking the truth, to shining a light on injustice, and to holding the powerful accountable. It is about giving a voice to the voiceless and telling the stories that need to be told. In a world where misinformation and disinformation are rampant, our role as journalists is more critical than ever. We have the responsibility to provide accurate, fair, and balanced reporting, and to help our audiences make sense of the complex issues that shape our world.
“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to witness the profound impact that journalism can have. I have seen stories that have changed lives, exposed corruption, and brought about social change. I have seen the power of a well-told story to move hearts and minds, to inspire action, and to bring about a better understanding of our world. These experiences have only strengthened my belief in the importance of our work and in the value of a free and independent press.
“Many people claim that journalism is dead, and that our industry has no future in a fast-paced social media world that often worships ‘alternative facts’ and poorly sourced celebrity gossip and scandals. I don’t believe that. I think there is still power in the telling of a story and even more power in storytellers who are dedicated to the facts, fairness, and the idea that our democracy works best with an informed citizenry. As long as those ideals stay true, I’ll be here trying my best to ensure those who want to follow this path have a little help along the way.
“As journalists, we have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of our profession. We must be diligent in our fact-checking, rigorous in our reporting, and unwavering in our commitment to the truth. We must also be transparent in our processes and accountable to our audiences. This is how we build trust, and this is how we ensure that our work has the impact it deserves.
“At the same time, we must also be willing to adapt and evolve. The landscape of journalism is changing, and we must be willing to change with it. This means embracing new technologies and new ways of storytelling. It means being open to new ideas and new perspectives. It means being willing to take risks and to push the boundaries of what is possible in journalism.
“But no matter how much the landscape of journalism changes, the core principles of our profession remain the same. We must always strive for truth, fairness and integrity. We must always strive to provide our audiences with the information they need to be informed and engaged citizens.”