America's History Of Lynching (R) | Media Critics On Protest Coverage

By Steve Kraske,

Danie Alexander, Chris Young, Mackenzie Martin

Published June 22, 2020 at 1:29 PM CDT

People scatter amid a cloud of tear gas during demonstrations Saturday night at Kansas City's Country Club Plaza. — Over the last weeks of national protests against police violence, journalists were beaten, pepper-sprayed and arrested. In Kansas City, Missouri, someone lit a 41 Action News vehicle on fire.

A look back at the legacy of lynching in America, and an analysis of how well the media has covered recent protests over the killing of George Floyd.

Segment 1, beginning at 4:48: Remembering America's legacy of lynching

A week after a lynching memorial marker was tossed down a cliff in Kansas City, we revisit a 2017 conversation about how America's legacy of lynching still influences race relations throughout the country.

Jonathan Kubakundimana, program manager for the Equal Justice Initiative

Segment 2, beginning at 22:24: The Media Critics weigh in on journalists' roles in times of upheaval.

Journalists have been attacked and arrested in recent weeks while covering national protests against police violence. What are their responsibilities to the public in times like this? Is being objective even a realistic goal?

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Up To Date race relations Racism Kansas City Missouri (KCMO)Talk Show journalism protests social media civil rights police Media Critics African Americans

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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Mackenzie Martin

Mackenzie Martin is a senior podcast producer at KCUR Studios and host of the podcast, A People's History of Kansas City. Contact her at mackenzie@kcur.org.

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