Coming Full Circle: A Journey from Jim Crow to Journalism and Beyond

A Personal Odyssey: From Segregated Childhood to Media Executive

In this captivating memoir, award-winning journalist and media executive Thelma Meeks chronicles her extraordinary journey from the racially segregated Jim Crow South to the heights of the media industry, sharing her firsthand experiences and insights into the complexities of race, class, and gender in America.

Coming Full Circle: From Jim Crow to Journalism

by Rick Schwartz

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17893 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Growing up in rural North Carolina, Meeks faced the harsh realities of segregation firsthand. Her memoir vividly recreates the daily injustices she endured: the "colored" water fountains and restrooms, the segregated schools, and the ever-present threat of violence. Despite these challenges, she refused to be defined by her circumstances. With unwavering determination and a thirst for knowledge, she defied the odds and excelled academically, earning a scholarship to the prestigious Duke University.

Confronting Prejudice and Breaking Barriers in Journalism

As a young woman entering the male-dominated field of journalism in the 1960s, Meeks once again faced prejudice and discrimination. She was denied jobs and promotions, but she refused to give up. Through sheer persistence and talent, she eventually landed a position at the Raleigh News & Observer, where she quickly rose through the ranks.

Meeks's career as a journalist was marked by groundbreaking achievements. She became the first African American woman to lead a major Southern newspaper, the Charlotte Observer, and later became the president and CEO of the National Association of Black Journalists. Throughout her illustrious career, she used her platform to advocate for social justice and equality.

The Enduring Legacy: Mentoring the Next Generation

Beyond her accomplishments in journalism, Meeks is a passionate advocate for education and mentorship. She believes that empowering young people is essential to creating a more just and equitable society. Through her work with organizations like the Freedom Forum Institute and the Maynard Institute, she has mentored countless young journalists and aspiring media professionals, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

Coming Full Circle is more than just a memoir; it is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of education and mentorship. It is a story that will inspire readers from all walks of life, reminding us that even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome with the unwavering belief in oneself and the support of others.

Praise for Coming Full Circle

"A powerful and inspiring memoir that illuminates the complexities of race, class, and gender in America, while offering hope and inspiration for a better future." —Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The 1619 Project

"A moving and deeply personal account of one woman's extraordinary journey from the Jim Crow era to the forefront of American journalism." —Henry Louis Gates Jr., renowned historian and author

"A must-read for anyone interested in history, journalism, or the fight for social justice." —Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award-winning author of How to Be an Antiracist

Additional Information

• Author: Thelma Meeks
• Publisher: University of North Carolina Press
• Publication Date: March 7, 2023
• : 978-1-4696-6969-2
• Pages: 336
• Price: $29.95 (hardcover)

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