PHOTO: David Rubenstein Forum, 1201 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
Connecting Media & Community
Join Us!
Reframing Purpose, Possibility, and Partnerships.
A One-Day Conference Presented by Public Narrative
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
David Rubenstein Forum, 1201 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
Trymaine Lee, Pulitzer Prize–and Emmy Award–winning journalist
We are thrilled to announce our featured speaker is Trymaine Lee, Pulitzer Prize– and Emmy Award–winning journalist, MSNBC contributor, and newly published author of his first book: A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America.
Conference at a Glance
General Sessions
This free, one-day conference will strengthen independent media and community media literacy by fostering collaboration, resilience, and innovation. Especially in this tumultuous time, Chicago journalists, media labs, community leaders, and foundations are leading the way in innovation, relevance, and resilience, and this gathering will provide opportunities to cross-fertilize this critical work.
Luncheon
Join us for a powerful plenary session at the "Connecting Media and Community" conference, featuring acclaimed journalist and author Trymaine Lee. Lee will discuss his national bestseller, "A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America," a deeply personal exploration of the generational impact of guns on the Black experience in America.
Workshops
Leaders from media, community-based organizations, the civic sector, and non-profits will come together to share tools and experience, build strategies, offer mutual support, and forge new, meaningful partnerships.
Program Overview
Click each section for details
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Opening Session: Keynote Remarks and Awards (opening remarks from Jhmira Alexander)
(Introduction by Jesús del Toro, La Raza)
With an introductory performance by Chicago poet Rocio Franco (Introduction by Jane Lawicki, Inside Publications)
Champion of Courage Awards Presentation
Honorees: Timothy M. Russell, Nicole R. Robinson, Gabrielle Lyon -
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AM Breakout Sessions (5)
AI & the Information Ecosystem: Tools, Risks, and the Future of Storytelling, with Jon Powell of Apex Catalytic and co-presenter(s)
Engaging and Growing Spanish and Bilingual Information, with Jesús Del Toro of La Raza and co-presenter(s)
Faster. Messier. Tougher: Leading Through Crisis Communications with Purpose, Integrity, and Impact, with Sarah Rand of Sarah Rand Strategies and co-presenter(s)
The Newsroom as Sanctuary: Balancing Rigorous Reporting with Restorative Practices, with Pilar Audain of TRHT
Whose Story Is It? Navigating Ethics in Documentary and Journalism, with Stacy Robinson & Gordon Quinn of Kartemquin Films and co-presenter(s)
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Session Speaker:
Trymaine Lee with panel respondents
Victoria Lakes-Battle, Illinois Facilities Fund Tiffany Walden, TRiiBE and Sequane Lawrence, Revolution Institute
With an introductory performance by Chicago poet Tanika Carpenter
Presentation to close with a group discussion facilitated by Sylvia Ewing -
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Transition/move/walk outside
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PM Breakout Sessions (5)
Covering Immigration in Chicago: Safety Tips at the Intersection of Newsgathering Rights and Immigration Law, with Flavie Fuentes of Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and co-presenter(s)
Data as Dialogue: Using Community Insights to Reframe Media, Trust, and Impact in Chicago, with Ashani Johnson-Turbes of NORC at the University of Chicago and co-presenter(s)
Does Print Still Matter?, with Jane Lawicki of Inside Publications; JFT LOFT | Strategic Communications and co-presenter(s)
Relationship Building with the Civic Actor Studio, with Joanie Friedman of the Office of Civic Engagement, University of Chicago and co-presenter(s)
Silence Isn't Neutral: Why Your Messaging Matters in a Crisis, with Diego Villegas of Illinois Humanities
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PM Breakout Sessions
An Early Look at APFJ’s Local News Pilot, with Rachel Aretakis of Associated Press Fund for Journalism and co-presenter(s)
Collaboration That Counts: Practical Strategies for Mission-Driven Partnerships, with Juana Guzman of I Juana Know Inc., and co-panelists, and Sylvia Ewing of Public Narrative as moderator
From Zohran Mamdani to Usha Vance: Understanding our Diverse, Vibrant and Growing South Asian American Community, with Rummana Hussain of the Chicago Sun-Times and co-presenter(s)
How to Emotionally Engage to Build Trust in News and Bolster Revenue in a Changing World, with Rob Golub of Successful Journalism for Communities
Immigration Journalism Resources and Collaborations, with Taylor Moore of Press Forward Chicago and co-presenter(s)
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Reception/Alliance Matters Remarks
Field Foundation
Wrap Up: Closing Remarks
Appetizers and bar on consumption.
Panel Discussion
Join us for an insightful panel discussion moderated by Public Narrative's own Sylvia Ewing. Our distinguished panel of respondents includes:
Victoria Lakes-Battle, Illinois Facilities Fund
Tiffany Walden, TRiiBE
Sequane Lawrence, Revolution Institute
These experts will offer their unique perspectives on Lee's work, exploring its themes through the lenses of community development, media representation, and social justice.
Transformative leadership in media, community engagement, and social justice takes center stage as we proudly introduce our 2025 Champions of Courage: Gabrielle Lyon, PhD, Nicole R. Robinson, and Timothy M. Russel.
These extraordinary individuals embody what it means to lead with unwavering conviction, remarkable resilience, and profound moral fortitude in today's complex media landscape. Through their groundbreaking work, they've reshaped the contours of inclusive dialogue, revolutionized community engagement strategies, amplified marginalized voices, and driven systemic change.
CHAMPION OF COURAGE AWARDEES
Our Call to Action:
Time and resources are limited—let’s make the most of both.
This one-day conference will provide maximum value in minimal time. Let’s leverage this opportunity for sharing knowledge and strategizing, empowering media professionals and our communities to thrive—together.
Who Should Attend:
Independent journalists and media outlets
Community-based organization staff
Civic and public sector leaders and changemakers
Educators and media literacy advocates
Culture professionals and creatives
Those interested in fact-based reporting and increasing storytelling skills
What You’ll Learn by Attending:
Navigating Today’s Media Landscape
Strategies for discerning credible news in an era of division and mistrust, while fostering authentic dialogue that bridges differences.Mission, Values, and Narrative in Challenging Times
Even as DEI comes under scrutiny, your commitment endures. Explore how to safeguard your brand, sustain your mission, and communicate with clarity and integrity in this moment of prohibition and polarization.Rebuilding Public Trust
Practical approaches to strengthening trust in journalism and information systems, increasing media literacy, and crafting narrative strategies that resonate in an evolving media environment.Storytelling, Voices, and Cultural Preservation
Your nonprofit organization is essential. Discover and share strategies for elevating creative storytelling, amplifying diverse voices, and championing cultural preservation through authentic narratives. Including Spanish language, ethnic, and community media audience partnerships.
This event is free to all participants. Reserve your free spot with tickets .
Sponsorship opportunities are available here and include a select number of guaranteed entries, as we anticipate this event to reach capacity.
Event Access
More Reasons to Join Us:
This event will:
1. Foster Community and Cross-Sector Connectivity: Provide a convening space for civic organizations, community-based organizations, and media to collaborate and co-create. Provide a pathway to rebuild trust between news and content providers and consumers by sharing data on how ownership, influencers, and disinformation work.
2. Promote Access to Free Actionable Information for All: Build collective strategies for sustainability and growth through media literacy, education, and inclusive dialogue
3. Bridge the Gap Between Providers and Consumers: Strengthen the relationship between journalists and content creators and their audiences through engagement, storytelling, and trust-building.
4. Facilitate Media-Nonprofit Collaboration: Help media outlets better understand and work with mission-driven organizations to amplify impact.
Questions? Email chris@hooplagroupla.com or sewing@publicnarrative.org.
Friedman Hall at the David Rubenstein Forum
