In a continuing series on media, race and politics, DePaul University Ida B. Wells-Barnett University Professor Laura S. Washington will host a panel discussion, “The Obama Factor: Covering Politicians of Color Then and Now,” Feb. 26 at the Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave., Room 314, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Prominent journalists who have covered U.S. President Barack Obama’s ascendancy to the White House will assess the media’s coverage of politicians of color in the halls of power and at the grassroots level. Panelists will be: Esther Cepeda, columnist and blogger, “600 Words;” Craig Dellimore, political editor, WBBM-AM Radio; Tom McNamee, editorial page editor, Chicago Sun-Times; Mary Mitchell, columnist and editorial board member, Chicago Sun-Times; Charles Thomas, political reporter, WLS-TV; and Dorothy Tucker, reporter, WBBM-TV.

           
Washington, who is also a Chicago Sun-Times columnist and a fellow of the DePaul Humanities Center, will moderate the discussion.

Questions to be examined, include: If Obama had been “white,” would coverage have been different? Did a lack of understanding or bias on minority issues, such as the role of the black church (Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr.), immigration, or biracial heritage play a role in the coverage?  Did Roland Burris’ appointment to the vacant senate seat have a racial component? Was the media complicit in playing the race card? Is the Obama administration getting a fair shake from the media?

           
The program is free and open to the public. A reception follows from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Humanities Center at 773-325-4580 or by e-mail at aperson@depaul.edu.