WNYC’s Radio Rookies, a radio training program for teenagers, has won a 2010 Robert F. Kennedy Journalism award for a three-part series, "This is the South Bronx," by Keith Tingman, Miguelina “Erikka” Diaz, and Amon Frazier.
In a press release, The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, which runs the awards program, praised the students' work. "The personal, often spare narratives defy stereotypes and provide an intimate understanding of what motivates complicated human beings trying to make the best of life in difficult circumstances," it said.
Ethel Kennedy, Robert Kennedy’s widow, personally called Erikka to congratulate her.
Erikka (middle photo) graduated from Mott Haven Village Preparatory and currently goes to Mercy College; Amon (right) attends Automotive High School in Brooklyn; and Keith (left) goes to the Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice. All three live in the Bronx.
To listen to the series, click on the following story titles: Money Stress, Incarcerated Parents, and Promotion in Doubt.
Here's a list of all the award winners. While there were students categories, "Domestic Radio" wasn't one of them, meaning Erikka and Co. were up against professionals from radio stations across the country - quite an achievement.
Photos courtesy of WNYC.
