Good Road

Charleston, S.C.: Voice As Freedom

The loal free and independent press has become marginalized by national news sources conglomerated along political and ideological lines, and many have been under attack for asking hard questions. Earl Bridges and Craig Martin meet up with Adam Parker, a journalist at the Charleston Post and Courier, the oldest daily news source in the South. They explore Charleston's race relations, religion and government, and discuss the fate of journalism and the role of journalists to make positive societal change. In 2018, the New York Times reported on the Charleston Rifle Club and their refusal to admit Dr. Melvin Brown, who would have been the first black member, after Adam broke the story locally. Conversations with Dr. Brown and Toby Smith of the Mcleod Plantation's African American Experience of plantations provide further insight into racial inequities and the negative impact of revisionist histories. Earl and Craig also sit down with Ricky Dennis, one of a handful of black journalists at the Post and Courier. Ricky and his mentor Adam Parker address past issues but also provide a way forward. The hope for progressive and positive change lies not only in stories told by independent news outlets, but also in a new, diverse mix of reporters telling those stories.