On December 18, 2024, editor-at-large and founder of The 19th Errin Haines will address Klein College of Media and Communication graduates at the Temple Performing Arts Center for winter graduation.
“This is such a tremendous honor for me to be addressing the graduates of Klein College, particularly at this moment in our democracy and at this moment in our profession,” said Haines.
The 19th is a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on the intersection of gender, politics and policy. Haines has also written nationally on race and ethnicity for The Associated Press and contributed to MSNBC.
“We are thrilled to welcome Errin as our keynote speaker for the Klein College’s winter graduation,” said Klein College dean David Boardman. “She is one of the nation’s premier journalists, and her career has been dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who might otherwise be unheard.”
In addition to her reporting work, Haines has taught classes on race, gender and the 2020 presidential election at Georgetown University Institute of Politics and Princeton University. The publication 19th features an asterisk in its logo to recognize that the 19th Amendment did not grant enfranchisement to all types of women. Haines believes this discussion of intersectionality is now more essential than ever.
“I think it is so important for us to be thinking about who remains unseen, unheard and underrepresented in this democracy,” said Haines. “We have an opportunity to look for those people each and every single day, and with every story there needs to be a conversation about who is being omitted, and what it means to participate in our democracy.”
Boardman believes that having Haines as a speaker is an excellent asset to graduating Klein College students. Having worked with her directly, he knows firsthand what she can contribute.
“[Haines] works in many forms of media – print, digital, television, podcasts – so she understands the challenges our students will face and tackle as they leave Temple University,” Boardman said. “And she is particularly engaged in Philadelphia’s media scene as a fellow board member of mine for the Lenfest Institute for Journalism.”
Haines has also worked at The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and Orlando Sentinel. She is currently writing her first book, which explores the growth of Black women’s power and leadership.
If there was one thing Haines wanted Klein College graduates to take away from her address is an enthusiasm for the future and what is next to come.
“I want them to be excited about the work they are about to do, knowing that they have been fully prepared to contribute to the next, first draft of history that we are all going to be writing together,” Haines said.
Boardman is looking forward to hearing Haines address winter Klein College graduates. He knows that she will positively impact these students.
“I have no doubt Errin will inspire and energize our graduates,” said Boardman.