"Washington's willingness to listen to all points of view along with his insightful commentary create an atmosphere in which a diverse group of people can truly have a conversation about race -- a model for what American public discourse should be."
|
Jesse's appearances include:
Association for Baha'i Studies Disney Reimagine Tomorrow Series Emory University Friends Central School - Philadelphia Franklin & Marshall College George Mason University Georgetown University Harvard University Howard University Lower Merion High School - Ardmore PA Montgomery Bell Academy - Nashville National Association of College Admissions Counselors |
New York University Northeastern University Oakwood School - Poughkeepsie NY Penn State University Rye Country Day School - Rye, NY Sewickley Academy - Pittsburgh St. Joseph's Preparatory School - Philadelphia Temple University Texas Southern University University of Delaware University of Maryland Wheelock College Yale University |
"Jesse Washington is the real deal: smart, talented, charismatic, and filled with stuff worth saying. He spoke to my journalism students in an advanced reporting class devoted to covering issues of race and ethnicity. These were seniors about two months shy of graduation and many felt Jesse's session was one of the most rewarding of their college journalism career. During his talk, students were engaged, challenged, and inspired. The discussion was substantive, practical, and even fun. Not only is Jesse a thoughtful and insightful thinker about issues of race but he is also a top notch journalist who notices the nuances and layers of life. We also used his work in class to draw lessons in solid reporting and powerful writing. I felt lucky to share Jesse and his talent with my students."
--Cora Daniels, Adjunct Professor, New York University
"Thoughtful." "Articulate." "A home-run speaker!" Those are just a sampling of the many positive comments I received after Jesse Washington spoke at Penn State. Washington's willingness to listen to all points of view along with his insightful commentary create an atmosphere in which a diverse group of people can truly have a conversation about race -- a model for what American public discourse should be.
-- John Affleck, Knight Chair in Sports Journalism and Society, Penn State University
"We know firsthand that talking about race and ethnicity in the public sphere is difficult for many people. We are encouraged by your willingness to advance an honest conversation about topics such as the fate of affirmative action, the achievement gap in education, and new rules for talking about race and ethnicity. One very important message seemed to resonate with our community the most: the idea that we all have perspectives and biases, but we should not be afraid to examine and change them as we listen to the perspectives of others."
--Scott A. Nelson, Headmaster, Rye Country Day School
"Jesse spoke to my Public Speaking students about his experiences in the hip-hop industry how that lifestyle forced him, eventually, to reflect on his life choices and his value system. The students were mesmerized. His message was especially poignant because, at the Prep, we have a mission to challenge students to critically examine the bigger picture. We hope to graduate men of integrity and conscience, and Jesse was a great example of the kind of man Prep teachers hope their students will emulate. During the presentation to the Journalism students, Jesse shared priceless anecdotes from his writing career. Students were left with lessons about interviewing, research, the importance of trust and rapport with sources, creative problem solving, the editor-writer relationship, and the necessity of meeting deadlines. In both courses, students were deeply moved and inspired."
--Andrew Whelan, English teacher, St. Joseph Preparatory School
"If the topic is race and/or writing, Jesse Washington is a voice every aspiring journalist can learn from. Every time Jesse comes to speak to one of my classes, my students leave inspired. Not only does Jesse have an endless supply of stories to share from his lengthy and successful career as a journalist, but his confident and charismatic delivery makes him a natural in front of a crowd. It's obvious this is a man who is passionate about his work and wants to share the lessons he's learned with the next generation of storytellers."
--Lori L. Tharps, Assistant Professor of Journalism, Temple University
"This ranks among my class' best educational experiences. It was, in part, because of Jesse's delivery---which was sincere and warm; but his answers were thoughtful and thought-provoking, and this is what my class will carry with them forever. I believe all of us in the audience found great value in him being able to discuss the often-complex matter of race in America from both a professional and personal standpoint. Quite honestly, they were moved by the experience ... as was I."
--Darrell Penta, adjunct professor, Northeastern University
"Jesse Washington has spoken to my students a few times. Each time students told me how inspired they were, how personable Jesse is, and how generous he was with his time and with helpful information. But more than anything Jesse is engaging and fun--the kind of teacher you wish you had in college. He inspires students with his funny stories and his obvious enthusiasm about the field of journalism. So many speakers come and give lectures or talk for hours about their careers--Jesse provides more of a conversation to students and a chance to really engage with someone they admire in the industry."
--Ericka Blount, assistant professor, University of Maryland
--Cora Daniels, Adjunct Professor, New York University
"Thoughtful." "Articulate." "A home-run speaker!" Those are just a sampling of the many positive comments I received after Jesse Washington spoke at Penn State. Washington's willingness to listen to all points of view along with his insightful commentary create an atmosphere in which a diverse group of people can truly have a conversation about race -- a model for what American public discourse should be.
-- John Affleck, Knight Chair in Sports Journalism and Society, Penn State University
"We know firsthand that talking about race and ethnicity in the public sphere is difficult for many people. We are encouraged by your willingness to advance an honest conversation about topics such as the fate of affirmative action, the achievement gap in education, and new rules for talking about race and ethnicity. One very important message seemed to resonate with our community the most: the idea that we all have perspectives and biases, but we should not be afraid to examine and change them as we listen to the perspectives of others."
--Scott A. Nelson, Headmaster, Rye Country Day School
"Jesse spoke to my Public Speaking students about his experiences in the hip-hop industry how that lifestyle forced him, eventually, to reflect on his life choices and his value system. The students were mesmerized. His message was especially poignant because, at the Prep, we have a mission to challenge students to critically examine the bigger picture. We hope to graduate men of integrity and conscience, and Jesse was a great example of the kind of man Prep teachers hope their students will emulate. During the presentation to the Journalism students, Jesse shared priceless anecdotes from his writing career. Students were left with lessons about interviewing, research, the importance of trust and rapport with sources, creative problem solving, the editor-writer relationship, and the necessity of meeting deadlines. In both courses, students were deeply moved and inspired."
--Andrew Whelan, English teacher, St. Joseph Preparatory School
"If the topic is race and/or writing, Jesse Washington is a voice every aspiring journalist can learn from. Every time Jesse comes to speak to one of my classes, my students leave inspired. Not only does Jesse have an endless supply of stories to share from his lengthy and successful career as a journalist, but his confident and charismatic delivery makes him a natural in front of a crowd. It's obvious this is a man who is passionate about his work and wants to share the lessons he's learned with the next generation of storytellers."
--Lori L. Tharps, Assistant Professor of Journalism, Temple University
"This ranks among my class' best educational experiences. It was, in part, because of Jesse's delivery---which was sincere and warm; but his answers were thoughtful and thought-provoking, and this is what my class will carry with them forever. I believe all of us in the audience found great value in him being able to discuss the often-complex matter of race in America from both a professional and personal standpoint. Quite honestly, they were moved by the experience ... as was I."
--Darrell Penta, adjunct professor, Northeastern University
"Jesse Washington has spoken to my students a few times. Each time students told me how inspired they were, how personable Jesse is, and how generous he was with his time and with helpful information. But more than anything Jesse is engaging and fun--the kind of teacher you wish you had in college. He inspires students with his funny stories and his obvious enthusiasm about the field of journalism. So many speakers come and give lectures or talk for hours about their careers--Jesse provides more of a conversation to students and a chance to really engage with someone they admire in the industry."
--Ericka Blount, assistant professor, University of Maryland