Alabama State University got a taste of the Big Apple when ASU alumnus Josh Barker arrived as the guest speaker for the Ida B. Wells Lecture Series. In 2006, Barker earned his bachelor’s degree in print journalism and is currently an award-winning journalist for the New York Amsterdam News.
Barker declared, “I am home. After 10 years, I finally feel like I’m in a position to give something back.”
Throughout his lecture, Barker administered several points to help students get on, and stay on, the right path to success in this new age of media and technology.
Barker lectured the students on the importance of having an efficient plan and learning as many skills as possible. He also spoke on the importance of learning the industry in which you want to work, as well as knowing the target audience of your publication or broadcast.
“Learn all skills,” Barker said. “No longer can you join our industry and only know one thing. If you’re a broadcast major, please learn how to write. If you’re a print major, please learn how to shoot video. Learn the industry. Know the key people in that industry. It’s always good to know who they are.”
Barker also stressed the importance of making solid friendships and networking with others in the media industry. He also talked about the importance of having mentors, as well as using your platform to give back and give voice to your people.
“There is such a need right now for diversity that we don’t have time to go against each other,” Barker continued. “So please, make friends with each other. As Black journalists, it’s so important that you use your voice to help our folks. One of the things I love about my job is I get to give a voice to so many people that mainstream media often neglects. There’s such a responsibility as Black journalists to give a voice to the voiceless.”
For some, seeing a former student return to ASU and lecture was a great experience. Senior recording technology major Barry Cook said, “It was really good and inspiring to see a former student go off and be successful in the media industry.”
Barker concluded his lecture by encouraging students to never give up on their dreams and reminding students that nothing is unattainable. He then quoted a close friend who had recently passed and to whom he’d dedicated his lecture: “If you’re chasing your dream, keep working hard. It will pay off. I am your proof.”