Dorothy Butler Gilliam
Esteemed Activist, Author, and Journalist who, in 1961, became the first African American female reporter at the Washington Post
Dorothy Butler Gilliam was a journalist with The Washington Post
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Full Bio
Dorothy Butler Gilliam was a journalist with The Washington Post from October, 1961, until the mid-1960s, then again from 1972 until her retirement in 2003. During her time there, she wrote a regular column on education, politics and race, as well as her own personal experiences.
She also edited the Style section and headed up the Young Journalist Development Program, an initiative to cultivate talented young people interested in journalism and create opportunities for minorities who are often under-represented in newsrooms across the country. Born in Memphis, Tenn., Gilliam holds a bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University in Lincoln, Mo., and a master’s from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Among her many accolades are her induction into the Society of Professional Journalists’ Hall of Fame; the University of Missouri Honor Medal in Journalism (1998); and the Ann O’Hare McCormick Award from the New York Newspaper Women’s Club.
Gilliam joined the School of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University as the Shapiro Fellow in September 2003. As a cub society reporter for the Tri-State Defender in Memphis, Tenn., in 1957, she defied her editor’s orders to stay in the newsroom and headed for Little Rock, Ark., to see and maybe cover the landmark intergration of Central High School. She found photographer Ernest Withers, made a truce with her angry editor, and covered some of the Little Rock story. Her enthusiasm and initiative impressed editors at Jet magazine, the leading black magazine across the country, and she quickly became an editor for Jet.
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Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
A Conversation With Dorothy Butler Gilliam
Why the Media Is More Important Than Ever
Diversity and Inclusion are worth fighting for
MLK Now and Before
Videos
Dorothy Gilliam Speaker
How the news media contributed to racism before civil rights (True Story - Dorothy Butler Gilliam)
Dorothy Butler Gilliam - Why the Media Is More Important Than Ever - The Daily Show
Testimonials
Dorothy Butler Gilliam was absolutely stupendous!!! The audience turnout was so great from both students and the community that the event had to be moved to the main gymnasium. I believe there were between 1100-1200 people at the lecture. A good time had by all…thanks so much for all of your help!!”
Syracuse University
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