ASU to host community dialogue with Latina leader Maria Hinojosa

The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at Arizona State University will feature Emmy award-winning journalist, author and Latina leader Maria Hinojosa in a dynamic livestreamed Delivering Democracy program on Saturday, April 18.

Hinojosa has informed millions about the changing cultural and political landscape in America and abroad. Hinojosa founded the Harlem-based Futuro Media Group to produce multi-platform and community-based journalism.

Currently the anchor and executive producer of the Peabody Award-winning show “Latino USA,” distributed by NPR, Hinojosa also is the co-host of “In the Thick,” Futuro Media’s new political podcast, and the anchor and executive producer of "America By The Numbers" on PBS, which focuses on the demographic changes in the United States. She is a highly respected contributor to the long-running news program “CBS Sunday Morning” and is a frequent guest on MSNBC.

“If ever there was a time to have an accomplished broadcast journalist as our Delivering Democracy speaker, this is it,” said Lois Brown, center director and Foundation Professor of English. “Maria Hinojosa brings courage to the front lines of difficult assignments that demonstrate her unwavering dedication to rigorous and attentive storytelling and documentation.”

Each year, Delivering Democracy provides a platform for visionary speakers to discuss democracy and issues of race, justice and engagement with the local community, a national audience and beyond.

This year, the center is hosting Delivering Democracy for the first time as a livestreamed event. This format addresses the significant national and global challenges created by COVID-19. As a livestreamed program, Delivering Democracy 2020 enables conversation and connection despite the uncertainties that so many are facing at this time.

“Going to the livestream format this year certainly reminds us at the CSRD how much we cherish the opportunities to gather,” Brown said. “Livestreaming ‘Delivering Democracy with Maria Hinojosa’ also shows us how, in an instant, we can connect even more broadly with audiences separated by all kinds of borders, circumstances and distance. We hope to have viewers tuning in from across America and from a number of international locations as well.” 

Hinojosa will be broadcasting live from New York City. A follow-up, in-person public event is being planned for fall 2020, barring any guidance related to public health and safety in this current critical moment.

Delivering Democracy 2020, like the annual programs in years past, will provide opportunities for powerful engagement and spirited dialogue with communities across the nation and the world. The livestream program will feature a dialogue between Maria Hinojosa and Lois Brown at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 18. Viewers will be able to contribute questions in advance and through social media during the program.

Registration is available here. Contact Kelley Karnes at Kelley.Karnes@asu.edu or 602-791-8278 for more information.