Ali Velshi, MSNBC host and author, discusses his family's pursuit of social justice, journalism post-9/11, and the role of journalists in today's political landscape. He emphasizes the power of small acts, voting, and activism in fighting injustice and promoting democracy.
Importance of a free press in democracy and society.
Family history influences commitment to social justice and journalism.
Deep dives
Championing a Free Press and Social Justice
The podcast highlights the importance of a free press in the face of threats and violence towards journalists. Veteran journalist Ollie Belsey's compelling story, including being shot while reporting, underscores the value of a free press as a pillar of democracy. The narrative intertwines citizenship and journalism as crucial avenues to inform and engage Americans on societal issues and solutions.
Personal Legacy and Historic Reflections
Ali Velshi's memoir, 'Small Acts of Courage', delves into his multi-generational commitment to social justice and fearless reporting. Velshi traces his journalistic journey from Canada to the US, emphasizing the significance of narratives that drive public discourse and advocate for democracy. The book intertwines personal experiences with historical events to underscore the enduring impact of small acts of courage.
Lessons from Family History and Pluralism
Velshi's family history, from South Africa to Kenya to Canada, reveals nuanced perspectives on democracy and resilience. The narrative reflects on the shades of democracy experienced in different nations, highlighting the quest for equality and citizenship obligations. Insights from Velshi's grandfather's teachings with Gandhi illustrate the importance of pluralism and resilience in fighting injustice.
Navigating Journalism, Diversity, and Disinformation
Ali Velshi's reflections encompass navigating the journalism landscape amidst disinformation and deepening polarization. His TED Talk on fake news underscores the challenges of social media dynamics in shaping public discourse and information consumption. Velshi's poignant insights on racism, democracy, and journalism echo the ongoing need to confront societal injustices and misinformation for a more informed and engaged citizenry.
In this election year, there’s more criticism and distrust of the media than ever. For veteran journalist Ali Velshi, his belief in the power of journalism is rooted in a family history of pursuing social justice, across continents and generations. On today’s episode of A Word, he joins host Jason Johnson to talk about his career, and his new memoir Small Acts of Courage: A Legacy of Endurance and the Fight for Democracy.
Guest: Ali Velshi, MSNBC host and author of Small Acts of Courage: A Legacy of Endurance and the Fight for Democracy
Podcast production by Ahyiana Angel
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