One thing I’m learning to do is ignore haters. All of the success I’m having came from years of hard work. I grew up dirt poor in Detroit. No one gave me anything. I never was jealous of others success so it’s odd when people take shots at mine.
I’ll have to get used to this.
I think what makes people jealous of me is that I didn’t get to where I am through the traditional gatekeepers and I kissed no rings (or asses) to get the support I have.
But I truly don’t understand how people can hate on folks like me who never asked anyone for anything.
Y’all know me.
I stick with I myself and don’t say anything about anybody. That folks would be so bothered by the support I’m getting is really a reflection on THEM and not ME.
I’m literally on scenes capturing video of air strikes and that’s still not enough to show I’m experienced and doing my job.
It just shows you how we as Black and POC journalists will never be good enough for some people.
Screw ‘em.
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I know my style of journalism isn’t what many of you are used to. It’s OK. I never lied about who I am, what my limitations are or my motivations. I’m a highly opinionated reporter.
If you don’t like it, there are plenty of folks you can follow who fit your tastes.
I know many of you just discovered me, but I’ve developed deep, very personal ties to this country and you’ll see every bit of that in my journalism. I don’t believe in “objective” journalism because it doesn’t exist. I’m as fair and open about my work as I can be.
You’ll never get so-called “objectivity” from me. What you will get is fair, compassionate reporting that reveals how much I deeply love this place. You will feel every emotion I’m experiencing as I report here. I live here. I didn’t helicopter in like everyone else.
If you are a TV/Radio producer who is asking an independent reporter in a war zone to broadcast free for you (ME), you need to pay attention to this thread because I hope it will help you help others.
Let's discusss scheduling hit times. Prioritize reporters' safety first!
For starters, I have a selfie stick, not a 10K camera with a crew and body guard. I am in extremely hostile areas where I must focus on my surroundings. If it is dark, I have light which makes me a sitting duck, easy target. Please make the SPECIFIC TIME. Don't make me wait.
The longer I am waiting, the more of a target I am. Some producers have put me in that situation. Obviously, unintentional, but I think it also is because I am freelance and I am not their priority. Anyway, I just won't do their shows anymore.
I’m at a checkpoint outside of the city where a civilian group is checking all vehicles—including military—for saboteurs. There are reports of them shooting at checkpoints, keep these civilian military groups on edge.
Some of the professions of the men holding government-issued weapons at this checkpoint: shoe maker, museum director, language teacher.
Air raid sirens are going off. This is usually the time civilians are taking cover. Not these volunteer military units. They are staying put at this checkpoint in the pitch dark, at the ready, protecting Ukraine.
This what it’s like to shop for basic things like medical supplies. Very long lines. And no promises what you need will be there when it’s your turn. Wasn’t like this before the war.
Let’s how long it takes for me to get inside this story here in Kyiv and get what I need. One very simple but very inconvenient aspect of living in war: long lines and limited supplies.
Note: forgot my selfie stick.
Part 1: I was in and out pretty fast. Items in short supply: water, milk and bread. And people are soooo friendly to me.