The world has lost a voice of media diversity

American journalism has lost a valued voice of diversity. Many, many groups and individuals are expressing their sorrow over the loss of Dori J. Maynard, president of the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education.

Dori and I were colleagues and friends. We traveled together to do media diversity training. We shared stages where diversity and awards for media diversity were topics of discussion. We had conversations about the importance of accuracy by reflecting communities served by professional media and standards. I worked with her father, Robert C. “Bob” Maynard at The Washington Post and at Columbia University in the Summer Program for Minority Journalists.

Kudos and comments are coming in from all over. Social media is abuzz with sympathetic reaction from friends, colleagues and organizations that Dori touched. Here is a sampling:

American Society of News Editors

“The Board of Directors of
the American Society of News Editors expresses our profound sadness at the
death of our friend and fellow board member, Dori Maynard, president of the
Maynard Institute for Journalism Education.

” ‘Dori was a passionate voice for journalism that truly
reflected the richness and diversity of civic life’,” said ASNE President
Chris Peck. ” ‘She fearlessly challenged the media to explore the deeper
issues of American society. Her courageous voice will be missed.’

“A longtime journalist and champion of diversity,
Maynard strongly valued the work of bringing the diverse voices of
America into news and public discourse, the Maynard Institute reported.”

National Association of Black Journalists

“The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) mourns
the loss of Dori J. Maynard, President, The Robert C. Maynard Institute for
Journalism Education.

“Earlier in her career Ms. Maynard was a reporter at the The Bakersfield Californian, The
Patriot Ledger, and the Detroit
Free Press. She had led the institute since 2001. The institute
originally named the Institute for Journalism Education was later renamed to
honor Maynard’s late father Robert in 1993. Maynard’s stepmother the late
Nancy Hicks Maynard was the institute’s first president. …

” ‘Dori fought to ensure that the journalists and newsroom managers
responsible for coverage looked like the communities they are responsible for
covering’,” said NABJ President Bob Butler. “‘Dori knew that if
newsrooms represented the society then journalists would tell stories which
are truthful, authentic, and compassionate’.’

Maynard Institute
“Dori J. Maynard, president of the Robert C. Maynard institute for Journalism Education and longtime champion of diversity in journalism and civic life, died Tues., Feb. 24, at her West Oakland home. She was 56. Maynard advocated tirelessly for the future of the institute and its programs, reminding all that the work of bringing the diverse voices of America into news and public discourse is more vital than ever. Under her leadership, the Institute has trained some of the top journalists in the country and helped newsrooms tell more inclusive and nuanced stories. New programs are empowering community members to voice the narrative of their own lives. On the morning of her death, she was discussing plans with a board member to help the institute thrive and to attract funding to support that work.”

For more comments about the life and passing of Dori Maynard, click here:

http://mije.org/dori-j-maynard-longtime-champion-diversity-died-tuesday-feb-24 