TALK OF GREENWOOD
Dr. Jerry Goodwin
Garrett Bland, majoring in mass communication with a concentration in journalism, is a junior at Tennessee State University and a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. Photo Provided
The state’s largest news organization in Tennessee, The Tennessean, named 13 juniors and seniors from universities across the state to join its inaugural journalism program. Garrett Bland, a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, was selected as one of the students.
Bland is a student at Tennessee State University, majoring in mass communication with a concentration in journalism.
In January, the collegians were offered training from the newspaper in beat coverage, reporting techniques, visual journalism, and digital production. Additionally, the student journalists received one-on-one counsel and advice from award-winning reporters.
“I learned that becoming a journalist takes a great amount of sacrifice. Some of the journalists talked about the ebbs and flows of being a journalist, which gave a perspective to me,” said Bland.
The students were selected by their respective universities. The criterium was to identify “promising journalism and communication students who expressed interest in pursuing journalism careers following graduation” according to a press release.
When he returns to the college campus, he will join other students in reviving the TSU Campus TV station.
In addition to his studies in journalism, Bland said, “I…plan to participate in a ministerial internship for college students…in Nashville this summer or after I graduate next year.”
He said his professional goal “is (to) begin a career in sports media or journalism while also pursuing ministry opportunities.”
Last month, Bland participated in an internship program with NBCU Academy in New York City. While there, he visited various media outlets. He said, “It was an amazing week!”
In fall 2023, Bland was an intern with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. In addition to attending a variety of workshops, he worked at every home game in the production booth and in other areas of football operations. He said his favorite part was during Alumni Weekend when he “connected with past professional (football) players.”
During the summer, he completed an NBAxHBCU Fellowship with the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder.
