Journalist Laura Washington, DePaul University’s new Ida B. Wells-Barnett University Professor, will deliver an inaugural lecture on the media’s reluctance to tackle the issue of race, titled “Airing Our Dirty Laundry: It’s Time to Come Clean on Race,” at 6 p.m., Oct. 30, at the Schmitt Academic Center, 2320 N. Kenmore Ave, Room 154.

An award-winning editor and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, Washington brings to the professorship more than two decades of diverse experience in print and broadcast journalism, urban affairs and social justice issues. Her tenure at DePaul will include teaching communication courses that cover such themes as media ethics, politics and race.

“Race still matters, more than any other socio-political issue in America today, and we are still in denial about it,” stated Washington. “The media has a responsibility and an opportunity to take a leadership role in reporting on our ‘race secrets’ in ways that enlighten and encourage solutions.”

Renowned journalist John Callaway will introduce Washington. Callaway is best known for his work as moderator of WTTW-TV’s “Chicago Tonight,” which he hosted for 15 years.

Questions will be taken from the audience after Washington’s speech. A reception will follow the lecture. Both the lecture and reception are free and open to the public. Washington is a fellow in DePaul’s Humanities Center, which is sponsoring the lecture and welcome reception.

Editors’ Note: Updated j-peg or print photos of Laura Washington are available upon request.