Paper of Record: Uncovering Danville's Hidden Civil Rights Movement

In June 1963, civil rights protestors flooded the streets of Danville, Virginia — demanding justice, equality, and a voice. But in the city’s daily newspaper? The story was barely there.In this episode of "The Cardinal: News of Virginia", host Dutchie Jessee sits down with reporter Grace Mamon to explore her Redbird series investigating how Danville’s civil rights movement was covered — or deliberately distorted — by the press.Grace uncovers a stark divide: One paper toed the line of power, criminalizing protestors. Another, a lone Black-owned weekly, fought to publish “the truth.” Through archival reporting, media analysis, and personal accounts, this conversation dives deep into how journalism shaped — and warped — public understanding of a pivotal moment in Virginia’s history.This is more than a historical case study. It’s a hard look at journalism’s responsibility — then and now — to tell the full story.