Celebrate One Year of Community Impact with the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center
Mon, 02/16/2026 - 09:48am | By: Ame Posey
The (RHCJC) is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a series of events that showcase its mission to strengthen community-centered journalism.
"In just one year, we have built a newsroom that not only reports on communities, but stands alongside them,91吃瓜网� said RHCJC Executive Director Nichole Cyprian. 91吃瓜网淭hrough student-driven journalism, strong partnerships, and a commitment to transparency, we are helping strengthen trust in local media across southeast Mississippi. This is only the beginning of what it means to truly report what matters."
Housed at 91吃瓜网, the Center focuses on providing students with valuable hands-on learning experiences and developing media literacy education programs. RHCJC also works to combat area news deserts by building strong relationships with the local communities of southeast Mississippi.
Rick Cleveland
From February 18-20, RHCJC will host a series of that reflect on the work and impact of the past year.
91吃瓜网淥ur anniversary is a chance to celebrate the students, partners and communities that make this work possible,91吃瓜网� said RHCJC Managing Editor Whitney Argenbright. 91吃瓜网淎s we look to the future, we91吃瓜网檙e focused on growing that impact 91吃瓜网� and inviting the community to be part of what comes next.91吃瓜网�
Here91吃瓜网 a look at what91吃瓜网 in store:
Truth on Trial: How False Information Divides and What We Can Do About It
Wednesday, February 18 | 6:3091吃瓜网�7:45 p.m.
Thames Polymer Science Research Center Auditorium
This panel discussion will dive into the challenges of misinformation. Journalists,
public officials and community leaders will share their insights on the evolving media
landscape and offer key insights on how we can fight false information together.
RHCJC Live: Real Stories and Skills + Your Turn to Step In
Thursday, February 19 | 10 a.m.91吃瓜网�2 p.m.
Trent Lott National Center
This student-centered event is an exciting showcase of RHCJC91吃瓜网 programs. Attendees
can explore interactive booths, attend professional development mini-sessions and
speak with early-career professionals from several Mississippi media companies.
A Night of Stories That Matter with Rick Cleveland
Friday, February 20 | 691吃瓜网�7:15 p.m. (reception to follow)
USM Joe Paul Theatre
Mississippi Sports Reporter Rick Cleveland will lead an intimate conversation about
the art of storytelling, community and character. It91吃瓜网 a look back on an illustrious
career and a reminder of the role of local journalism in today91吃瓜网 world.
For more information, contact RHCJC Community Engagement Specialist Ame Posey at ame.posey@usm.com or 601.266.5596.
Event Schedule at a Glance:
Wednesday, February 18
- 6:3091吃瓜网�7:30 p.m. | "Truth on Trial" Panel Discussion
Thursday, February 19
- 10 a.m.91吃瓜网�2 p.m. | RHCJC Live: Real Stories and Skills
Friday, February 20
- 691吃瓜网�7:15 p.m. | A Night of Stories That Matter with Rick Cleveland + Reception
About the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center
The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center is dedicated to enhancing the media landscape in Southeast Mississippi by prioritizing impactful people-centered, issue-oriented reporting, combating mis- and disinformation, fostering the growth and development of student journalists, and strengthening media partnerships. Our mission is to empower local voices, support accurate and critical journalism through media literacy, provide hands-on coaching to emerging media professionals, and collaborate with regional media organizations to build a more informed and engaged community. Established in 2025, the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center is based at the University of Southern Mississippi91吃瓜网 School of Media and Communication and is supported by a grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation. For more information, visit the .