Stories We Tell

By Chandler Jadon Harris

Greensboro, N.C. Print journalist and self-publicist, Bonnie Newman Davis, discussed her first book titled, “Truth Tellers” during JOMC Week at North Carolina A&T State University.

The book involves practices and experiences from black journalists with personal accounts on Davis’ career.

On Alumni Showcase Day, the journalism and mass communication students were given a wealth of knowledge on how to be successful in journalism.

Since Davis’ career field extends across multiple media platforms and is used to produce news, students would get a first-person account on the industry.

Davis discussed methods to succeed as a future journalist. She educated the students on the importance of becoming versatile in journalism and the community.

Journalistic integrity ensures the journalist remains at a surface level when handling a source.

“Your source is not your friend,” said Davis.

Davis also covered learning the foundation of what it takes to be a journalist. This gave students an opportunity to ask questions about her experiences in the field, including the dos and don’ts of working in mass media.

Students found round table conversations on this subject to be helpful.

Journalism student, Michael Cartwright, said: “Being in the presence of someone like us who has reached the career path they went out for, is inspiring, and makes me believe it is possible to succeed as a journalist.”

Another journalism student, Tatjana Sowell, said: “I really enjoyed the insight provided to us about the struggles involved with the career of journalism; it lets us learn from others’ mistakes.”

Davis is also passionate about educating people of color that journalism is a fulfilling career field and there are opportunities for them to succeed here.

Journalism student, Cameron Smith, said: “Seeing a journalist, specifically a black woman, makes me hopeful that my dreams aren’t out of reach.”

In closing, Davis expressed gratitude to share about her experience at A&T.

“I always will be indebted to A&T, to help,” Davis said.

Davis said the publication of her book has made her more engaged in the lives of others and the stories they want to tell.

“Take it out into our community and use it to do great things,” Davis said.

Davis hopes to achieve successful career goals related to “Truth Tellers.” She wants the book to be obtained by a major publisher for the purpose of global distribution.

This would allow Davis’ work to reach a larger audience through mass production.

Davis also hopes the book to become a leading resource in guiding tools for college students, and to inspire other black journalists to use their voices.

In the future, Davis dreams of writing and publishing her next book about growing up in Greensboro.

She shared with the students that this would be a fictional story about how businesses in Greensboro mysteriously disappeared