The arrest of Nekima Levy Armstrong by federal agents was shocking. The arrest of Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, both independent journalists and members of the National Association of Black Journalists, is mortifying.
I know Armstrong and have consistently marveled at her willingness to raise her voice in support of what is right. Although I do not know Fort, I have pitched Lemon when he worked for CNN. But familiarity isn’t a litmus test for concern. Even if I didn’t know Fort, Lemon or Armstrong, I would still have grave concerns over their arrest. You should too.
For their part, Lemon and Fort were covering the protest as journalists. I’m sure they weren’t the only reporters there, but if they were the only members of the fourth estate arrested, we have to ask why. We also have to ask and examine the toll this situation will have, not only on Lemon and Fort, but other journalists as well.
Come to Their Defense
It is imperative that advocacy organizations – such as the National Association of Black Journalists – come to their aid. I’m prayerful the rest of us will appreciate that Lemon, Fort and Armstrong may not be anomalies. They are likely canaries in the coal mine, foreshadowing what is to come.
If journalists, fearing arrest, opt against covering demonstrations, the message of the action may be muted. Again, perhaps this is the point. Rather than criminalizing protests, our elected leaders should be analyzing the underlying issues that spurred the protests. Demonstrations are mere symptoms of a larger problem.
You Should Be Concerned
It doesn’t matter who you are, this recent turn of events should frighten you. As Lenice C. Emanual, executive director of the Alabama Institute for Social Justice, shared with me: “When power operates without restraint, democracy is no longer secure. We are witnessing a moment where First Amendment rights are being openly tested and essential systems like child care are being deliberately destabilized at the same time. These are not separate issues — they are parallel threats. The goal is silence. But we will not be silenced.”
The question for the rest of us becomes, ‘how should we respond?’
When something of this nature happens, it can be comforting to think about things one can do to remain safe – wear visible markers or clothes that distinguish you from the crowd,’ ‘refrain from participating in an action without legal counsel,’ ‘disperse when an order to do so has been given,’ etc. – but this moment feels bigger than individual actions. This feels like yet another attempt to silence dissent, squelch demonstrations and instill fear in the populace.
Only you can decide if these tactics will work.
Jennifer R. Farmer is a crisis communications expert and founder Spotlight PR LLC. The firm helps clients build their platforms and protect their brands.