March 25, 2025

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MILWAUKEE —The Diederich College of Communication at Marquette University will host two panel discussions and a keynote address from Catherine Gicheru, Kenyan journalist and pioneer in African media innovation, for “Voices of Resilience: Journalism in the Face of Conflict and Contemporary Politics,” the 2025 Lucius W. Nieman Symposium Friday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Alumni Memorial Union, 1442 W. Wisconsin Ave.

This year’s Nieman Symposium brings together distinguished journalists, scholars and media innovators for a day of vital discussions on journalism's role in navigating global conflicts and fostering peace. Through varying voices and perspectives, the symposium examines how journalism can bridge divides, amplify marginalized voices and contribute to peacebuilding in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Gicheru’s address, “Building Bridges, Not Walls: The Role of Journalism in Fostering Peace and Navigating Conflict in Divided Societies,” will reflect her extensive experience in advancing investigative journalism and media sustainability across Africa. Gicheru is the founder of The African Women Journalism Project and a former International Center for Journalists Knight Fellow.

The event will begin with two panel discussions:

• “Navigating the Crossroads: Conflict, Peace Journalism, and Contemporary Politics Featuring Insights from Leading Experts in Media, Policy, and Global Communication,” which features leading academics exploring the intersection of conflict, peace journalism and contemporary politics.
• "Voices Unsilenced: Resilience and Identity in the Life of a Journalist in Exile," highlights the experiences of exiled journalists who continue their essential work from the margins, sharing stories of resilience and adaptation in the face of persecution.

For more information on panelists and speakers, or to register to attend, visit the Nieman Symposium page online. Media interested in covering the symposium or speaking with a participant should contact Kevin Conway at kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.

The Lucius W. Nieman Symposium, named after the founder of The Milwaukee Journal, Lucius W. Nieman, is an annual event sponsored by the J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication.

About Marquette University

Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.

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About Kevin Conway

Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.