Commissioner and Former Journalist Inspires Next Generation of Storytellers
District 6 Madison County Commissioner Violet Edwards, a former journalist, recently inspired Alabama A&M University students during the Fall 2024 Journalism Workshop class. Drawing from her experiences as a television journalist in the Huntsville and Memphis markets, Edwards spoke about her journey, her commitment to public service, and the power of storytelling with empathy. Her advice to students highlighted the universal demand for strong communication skills, both written and spoken, across all career fields.
Throughout her talk, Edwards emphasized the importance of understanding others’ perspectives, which resonated deeply with students. Junior English major Taylor Hunter reflected, “I hope to be an educator one day, and her words about having empathy for people on all levels were powerful.” Senior English major Danny Cooley also recalled Edwards’ advice on passion, saying, “You can’t be the best if you don’t have a passion for the work; work without passion isn’t worth doing.”
The workshop, led by alumna and associate English professor Dr. Charlotte Teague, combines practical learning with exposure to industry professionals. Teague, who began her journalism career as a student on The Hill thirty years ago, designed the course to connect students with influential figures in journalism and public service. “I feel it’s essential for students to be exposed to skilled professionals and real-world experiences, so I have worked to curate that in this course,” she said.
So far, students have visited “Speakin’ Out News,” the nation’s oldest family-owned Black newspaper, and have engaged with prominent guest speakers, including alumnus and Boeing Small Business Specialist Damien Green. Green, a community leader and past alumni chapter president, talked to students about political strategy. Edwards’ visit marked another milestone, motivating students to share impactful, empathetic stories. The next project for students in the class involves reporting on the upcoming election, where they will put their newfound inspiration and skills into practice.
