LASA gathered at The Huntington to spend time together on the grounds and to consider the role of journalism in civic engagement and democracy with author and journalist Miriam Pawel.
We began with teams setting out into the gardens and galleries to observe and ask questions of each other and Huntington guards and guests. What was the oldest thing we found? How many languages or dialects did we encounter through sound, signage, display, etc.? Which object captured every team member’s and why? What were our reflections on “A Portrait of a Young Gentleman”? What is the role of art at The Huntington and in Los Angeles more broadly? What five emotions did each group feel by being in the Chinese garden, pausing and listening quietly?
LASA’s thoughts about these questions could fill new rows on books on The Huntington’s shelves but we can share that many reflected on the age and beauty of the oak trees.
Olivia reflected, “I had a lot of fun walking around and exploring. Usually when I am with a group going to the library the experience is pretty structured and tours don’t leave room to ‘get lost’ as you all said in a positive tone. Most of the time getting lost is a bad thing but the way you all referred to it was refreshing.” The day was unusually warm for November and Lilly added, “I gravitated towards the Japanese gardens. On that hot day I found a bench under a
tree and my group and I sat there for a while taking in the scenery and talking with each other.”
We met back in the picnic grove and welcomed Miriam Pawel. Author of The Browns of California and additional books, opinion pieces and essays, Miriam spoke of the relationship between journalism and history as well as her 25 years reporting for Newsday and the Los Angeles Times. “Learning about journalism was interesting,” Judah noted, “and how one person impacts many people.” Lilly took note of Miriam’s words “that journalists are curious people
who are not afraid to ask the next question.
Another thing she talked about was how the fragmentation of news has led to political polarization and that idea has been something that has stuck with me and something that I will continue to reflect upon. Lastly when I asked about where she saw the future of journalism, I was inspired by her answer: she explained that while print newspapers may be dying out, she is optimistic for the ways media will play a role in raising the voices of local journalists.” Rebecca L. added, “I enjoyed learning more about the intersection between journalism and civic service – two paths I am considering pursuing as a career.”
As we closed out the 2021 year together, Bill dramatized the history of The Huntington Library and LASA students left the day together with options for winter break reading: George Sánchez’s Boyle Heights and Jessica Kim’s Imperial Los Angeles. LASA wishes everyone a restful break and looks forward to meeting again in January.
