HFC students learn from well-known journalists at “Pulitzer on the Road”
In March, 16 HFC students attended Pulitzer on the Road at Michigan Central Station in Detroit, listening to Pulitzer-winning journalist Justin Chang, The New Yorker film critic, and Pulitzer finalist Lyndsay C. Green, the Detroit Free Press food and restaurant critic, discuss writing on film, food, pop culture, and the ever-evolving role of the journalist and of the critic.
Green is the Free Press’ first Black restaurant critic. A New York native, she joined the Free Press in 2021 and has been allowed “full agency” in her role as a critic.
“Detroit is a nuanced city with sensitivities you need to be mindful of,” said Green. “It’s my job to illuminate people not exposed to a certain point of view.”
Chang, who was previously a film critic for The Los Angeles Times and Variety, is the author of FilmCraft: Editing. In 2014, he received the inaugural Roger Ebert Award from the African American Film Critics Association.
“Having a sense of humor is germane to criticism. I always write up to my readers because they’re smarter than me,” said Chang. “I’ve been surprised how people discover my work. Never underestimate who may be reading.”
Striving for authenticity
Students from HFC and Wayne State University had a chance to ask questions. HFC liberal arts major Ashley Davis, editor-in-chief of The Mirror News, HFC’s student-run newspaper, spoke to Green about balancing the elements between journalistic writing and creative writing in her work.
“I’m able to do more creative writing with criticism because I’m more able to insert myself into the piece than I otherwise would be,” replied Green.
HFC student Olivia Draus asked about the impact social media has on being a critic.
“My social media presence must be unbiased. I do not accept free meals from the restaurants I review. (The Free Press) reimburses me,” said Green. “It’s confusing when people give reviews they’re paid to do. The lines get blurred. My work is something the consumer should value. I strive for authenticity.”
An invaluable opportunity
Davis and fellow Mirror News journalist Buchi-Nkem Elizabeth Ezeoke, an electrical engineering major at HFC, will remember this event.
“As someone who aspires to earn a Pulitzer for my reporting, it felt surreal to be in the same room with two individuals whose writing has made such an impact,” said Davis. “Being able to ask Lyndsay and Justin questions about the industry and gain their perspective was an invaluable opportunity that I will never forget. As a writer myself, it felt really inspiring and I loved hearing about their careers.”
Dr. Brad Romans, Dean of the HFC School of Liberal Arts, and HFC Media Communication Arts Chair Susan McGraw accompanied the students. They expressed their pride in the students’ exceptional job of engaging with the journalists and representing the College’s learning community.
“Students from MCA, journalism, and our Henry Ford II Honors Program represented SOLA, asking thoughtful and articulate questions of Ms. Green and Mr. Chang,” said Romans. “I am immensely proud of our students for their strong showing. The event itself was a gift to our students and staff, and I am grateful to the Pulitzer Center and to Michigan Central for inviting us and hosting us, respectively.”