Our History

The First 25 Years
The need for the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education grew out of the civil rights movement and racial discord of the 1960s. At that time, the lack of minority voices in American media became painfully apparent as the mainstream press failed to predict-and then struggled to depict-the civil unrest that erupted across the nation. In fact, the news media was held partly responsible: The federally mandated Kerner Commission declared in 1968 that because the media "report and write from the standpoint of a white man's world," the media "contributes to the black-white schism in this country."

In 1969, Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, with support from the Ford Foundation, created what became known as the Summer Program. Robert Maynard, of The Washington Post, and Earl Caldwell, of The New York Times, were recruited to head the print program in 1972. Under their leadership, the 11-week summer program quickly developed a national reputation as a news media "boot camp" that trained and placed aspiring journalists of color in news outlets across the country.

After the 1974 program, however, the Columbia program was ended. In 1976, Maynard, Caldwell and four other founding members moved the Summer Program to a new base at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1977, they and three additional board members created the non-profit organization called the Institute for Journalism Education.

Over the next two decades, the organization raised standards for the role of the news media in a diverse American society. The Institute operated the Summer Program through the late1980s and, responding to industry challenges and opportunities, launched new programs in editing, management, direct services in Total Community Coverage and cross-media initiatives.

While originally designed for journalists of color, Maynard Institute programs broadened to include white and nonwhite participants alike. In fact, this mix is one of the most dynamic aspects of MIJE programs-and reflects the Institute's commitment to stay grounded in the same inclusive values that inspired its founders more than a quarter-century ago.

INTRODUCTION

MAYNARD INSTITUTE @ 25
• Our Vision: Seeing Ourselves Whole
• Our History: The First 25 Years
• Profile: Dorothy Gilliam
• Profile: Carmen Rios
• Profile: Mei-Mei Chan
• Our Legacy: The Next 25 Years

ROBERT C. MAYNARD: LIFE & LEGACY
• Maynard: A Tribute (video)
• Maynard's Legacy of Inclusion
• Shining Light of a Poet and Pioneer
• Maynard Image Gallery (flash)