Carleton University, one of Canada’s top journalism schools, recognized Friday, September 22nd, 2023, an award in honour of Palestinian veteran journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, whose killing last year by Israeli forces spurred calls for justice and media freedom.
Shireen Emerging Reporter Award in Social Justice Journalism at Carleton University was unveiled at an event in the Canadian capital, Ottawa, on Friday evening.
Monia Mazigh, a Canadian author and one of the initial donors supporting the new award at Carleton University, said that having the journalist’s name associated with the prize “is very symbolic” as the award will give younger journalists a chance to follow in Abu Akleh’s footsteps.
“I think it will be a great opportunity for young journalists or for aspiring journalists not only to have a role model but also to go on the ground and do some real work … related to social justice,” she said.
I rose in the House of Commons to recognize the Shireen Abu Akleh Emerging Reporter Award in Social Justice Journalism.
This award pays tribute to the legacy of the Palestinian journalist by granting one student $5000 per year toward social justice journalism projects. pic.twitter.com/PmdVkyomZF
— Iqra Khalid ?? (@iamIqraKhalid) September 21, 2023
Abu Akleh’s family believed that the award would maintain Shireen’s legacy, name and contribution to the field of journalism, welcoming the initiative immensely.
“Awards like these, which honour Shireen and her contributions to journalism and her commitment to giving voice to those who live under brutal military occupation, are a way to keep her memory alive and let young journalists continue her legacy,” added Antony abu Akleh.
The Canadian university urged its students to submit a proposal for a project that aims to “shed light on an important social justice issue”, hoping to offer at least $5,000 per year “in perpetuity”.
Abu Akleh is a renowned and celebrated journalist who worked in the field of Journalism for over two decades. She was killed by an Israeli sniper in May 2022 while reporting on an Israeli military raid in Jenin, a city in the north of the occupied West Bank.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=50428
