Media expert explains need for history month

A former editor and reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer explained to about 50 members of the University community last night why Black History Month is necessary.

The achievements of black Americans celebrated during Black History Month should be appreciated by all people, said Fancher, who is the vice president of communications and public affairs for Philadelphia Newspapers, Inc. PNI is the publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.

Because so many people question the purpose of Black History Month, Fancher said, there is a definite need for the month-long celebration.

"If it takes one month of the year to remind Americans of how much African-Americans have done for them, then it is well worth it," he said. "Black history is rich, exciting and deeply woven into the American culture."

Black History Month is important to people of all different races, Fancher said. It is important to many black people because it provides an inspiration for personal achievement, he said, and it is equally important for non-blacks because it provides perspective on the unique form of discrimination aimed at blacks in this country.

"If we are to prosper as a nation through the next century and beyond, it is critical that we have an understanding of the culture and history of all of our peoples," Fancher said.

Fancher explained that some of the negative connotations associated with black people in this country are due to the media. For example, he said, the media and American citizens were quick to embrace Susan Smith's lie about her children being kidnapped by a black man. In the end, she was found guilty of drowning them.

"I would like to say that a colorblind society exists as we approach the 21st century, but I don't think it does yet," he said.

Fancher, who was a reporter and editor at the Inquirer and spent five years at the Detroit Free Press, said it was the responsibility of the media to shine a positive light on Black History Month as well as on black people. He had several suggestions of how this could be done.

Issues within the black community should be explored, Fancher said. Stories should be written about black people who achieve against the odds, such as blacks who succeed in school despite the poor conditions of their schools or neighborhoods. This might serve as a model for others, he said.

Secondly, when race is an issue, address it honestly. When it is not an issue, Fancher said, don't make it one.

Thirdly, make sure a media's staff is diverse, he said, so that all ethnic groups will get representation. Also, make sure that the journalists use a diverse group of sources.

In addition, allow customers access to reporters and editors -- and be willing to listen.

Finally, he said, an awareness between media should be kept at all times.

Many audience members responded positively to Fancher's message.

"I agree with him 100 percent that racial tensions have not eased," said Tim Klark (sophomore-communications). "But I think they are on the way."

Joseph Selden, director of multicultural affairs for the College of Communications, said Fancher's presentation offered the 50-person audience a blueprint for a brighter future.

"Everybody could identify with his examples, they were relevant," Selden said. "It was nice to hear an articulate presentation that reviews the past, addresses the present, and takes us through the future."

"If we could take his guidance and put it into action, we could create this world that we know we should create," Selden added.`