On this episode of Audience, Stuart chats with Jenna Flanagan about her podcast, After Broad and Market, a show about what happens when the dust settles after a crime. Twenty years ago, the Newark community was rocked by the death of a young lesbian black teen named Sakia Gunn, or was it? Why wasn’t there more of an outcry? What were the reasons behind the silence and the lack of compassion from the public? In After Broad and Market, Jenna explores these questions and more, highlighting the effects of trauma and racism, and what we will need to do in order to become the tolerant and compassionate society we claim to be. 

In this episode, Jenna also talks about why it took twenty years for this story to be told. What changes have happened in order for the language to become available to her and the public? When handling such a powerful and emotional topic, it can be difficult to walk the line between finding answers and justice and helping victims and loved ones feel comfortable. 

Jenna Flanagan is a writer, reporter, journalist, producer, and current on-screen host for The WNET Group’s MetroFocus. Jenna grew up in New Paltz where her interest in journalism began after attending a journalism camp at SUNY New Paltz at age 12. She went on to study communications and journalism at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ where she was on the staff of the college newspaper, The Setonian.

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Today you’ll learn about:

• The heartwrenching story of Sakia Gunn
• The rippling effect of trauma
• Being empathetic without losing your journalistic integrity
• What it means to exist with your friends without appearing like a threat to “mainstream” society
• What was driving the distancing behaviors in the public
• How it feels to be able to fully express yourself
• Showing empathy and making victims and interviewees feel comfortable
• What we need to surpass in order to become a true multicultural and open society
• The importance of a good editor and passion for your subject matter

Resources/Links:

After Broad and Market: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1184536483/after-broad-and-market