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SOM Leadership Conference: Charlayne Hunter-Gault - Reporting in Unprecedented Times
By Roberta Martone Pavia, Contributing Writer
(May 5, 2009) -- "There has never been a time like this," said Charlayne Hunter-Gault, a 40-year veteran news reporter, firsthand observer to signature events in the black community, and a keynote speaker at this year's SOM Leadership Conference.
As one of the first two black students desegregating the University of Georgia, Hunter-Gault recalled that
as she walked through mobs screaming racist comments she recited portions of Psalm 23:4: "Yea, Thou I walk
through the valley of death I fear no evil…" and internalized the strong message of support. "I walked
in wearing my suit of armor."
Continuing to break barriers, the world-renowned journalist followed the journey in South Africa. Recounting
the struggle under a white regime and the grass roots activity leading to the election of Nelson Mandela as
the country's first black president in 1994, she noted that "not since then has there been a time like this
where 'born frees' (those born without apartheid), registered in record number and where voters lined up at 3
a.m. to vote. "We are looking for the second wind of change (the first being colonialism)," she said, noting
the significant positions now held by women in the country. But even as women are on the move, Hunter-Gault
said they have miles to go before they reach parity with men.
"Change is not translating into improvements for women. The number one problem is poverty and women are the
poorest of the poor. Rape continues to be the silent epidemic, with one woman raped every 26 seconds." She
appealed to the audience, saying African women cannot do it alone.
The election of the first U.S. black president and his call to elevate human rights is "the third revolution
that I have witnessed and written about. I was most impressed with President Obama when he talked about
faith, hope, and a desire to elevate human rights."
"So take it from this very proud elder: the journey to the open road is worth it. I hope to see all of you
when your help is needed because there has never been a time like this."