Louisville Public Media’s Michelle Tyrene Johnson, host and producer of LPM’s “Race Unwrapped” podcast, is the 2025 recipient of the Vernon Jarrett Medal for Journalistic Excellence from Morgan State University’s School of Global Journalism and Communication. Johnson received the award, now in its tenth year, on September 19 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. for her work on season four of “Race Unwrapped,” an Edward R. Murrow award-winning podcast.
The award is given to a journalist who has published or broadcast stories that are of significant importance or have significantly impacted some aspect of Black life in America. Past recipients include Kaye Whitehead, WEAA-FM public affairs host and associate professor at Loyola University; Errin Haine of The 19th; and Audra S. Burch of The New York Times.
“It’s always its own reward to have real conversations on “Race Unwrapped” about how race impacts the various realities we all live. But to receive an award, endorsing that work, named after trailblazing Black journalist Vernon Jarrett, is an honor beyond measure,” said Johnson. “I’m sure every generation says this, but never has there been a more important time to engage in unfiltered realness. It was particularly critical last year to discuss how race impacts voting, voter suppression, and democracy…