Students attend a Fake News workshop hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs Sept. 24 at the University Student Center. Martha Rhine | The Crow’s Nest
By Martha Rhine
Family, friends, music and Beyonce.
Those are the the things that inspire Brandon Brown. But it was his passion for activism and a conversation with a former colleague that encouraged him to conceive the idea of a workshop to help college students transform from media consumers to social issue advocates.
Around 18 people participated in The Real Impact of Fake News, an event held by the Office of Multicultural Affairs at USF St. Petersburg’s University Student Center on Sept. 24.
From the start, Brown explained that the talk would not be a presentation, but rather an interactive opportunity for students to partake in dialogue with others, using the facts and prompts provided.
“I don’t have all the answers,” said Brown, a Howard University doctoral student. “I’m not here to talk at you, I’m here to facilitate a workshop.”
Participants were welcomed into a viewing area where they had the opportunity to absorb statistical information posted on the walls and watch a brief video, which addressed racism, police brutality, sexual harassment and immigration.
The information challenged common misconceptions as presented by various facets of the media from news to advertising. This interactive time led into a larger discussion on the themes presented.
“The media is a capitalist industry,” said graduate student Flore Septimus during a discussion on media literacy. “It’s all a money game.”
Tristen Johnson, OMA’s assistant director, also commented on the brief attention certain headlines get.
“Topics make headlines and then go away. Flint still doesn’t have clean water,” she said and was met with snaps from everyone present.
Key questions ranged from threats to the media perpetuated by President Trump’s criticism in tweets and public appearances to media literacy and making advocacy a lifestyle, not a trend. They emphasized tools such as listening, practicing productive dialogue and showing up without burning out.
Those present at the workshop were treated to cookies, coffee and tea. The setting was inviting and intimate. The dimly lit room created a comfortable, relaxed environment where participants sat at round tables adorned with white tablecloths, flowers and candlelight.
Several people lingered to chat at the end, and overall reactions were positive. Angelica Rodriguez thought it was all very well put together and enjoyed the topics.
“All were equally important,” she said.
Brown is enrolled in Howard’s Higher Education Leadership & Policy Studies program.
“My work centers around creating access and empowering disenfranchised communities, specifically those comprised of people of color and low-income populations,” he said in an email to The Crow’s Nest.
Brown hopes his work can provide clarity on advocacy work and engagement.
“Most people are not apathetic, they just aren’t informed,” he said, which is why he enjoys these workshops – challenging movers and shakers to evolve from hashtags to truly change the narrative.
