SR receives three first place awards from Society of Professional Journalists
Street Roots received three first place, and one, second place award this weekend from Oregon/Southwest Washington Society of Professional Journalists.
Amanda Waldroupe took first place for "Social Issues" reporting for her story, "Return of the Dragon." The story details the increase of heroin use in Portland. During the reporting of the story, Waldroupe met with a heroin addict named "Joe," who told her and photographer Ken Hawkins his story, and also allowed them to observe and document him during a disturbing time of day in any drug addict's life--the moments when he shoots up.
Esteemed photographer Leah Nash took first place in the "Photo Essay" category with "Look at me. I am not invisible." Nash documented the lives of two Street Roots vendors (Sean and Melissa Walsh) for nearly three months— highlighting the trials and tribulations of experiencing poverty and mental health in the Portland region.
Managing Editor Joanne Zuhl took first place for her story on City Commissioner Nick Fish for the "Personalities" category with "Man of the Hour." Zuhl highlighted Fish's turbulent appearance into Portland politics, and what's behind the man leading Portland's Housing Bureau during one of the worst recessions in our history.
Rebecca Robinson took second place in "Social Issues" with "Motel limbo." This story profiles one family’s struggle to exit motel life and secure permanent housing, and places their story in the larger framework of Oregon’s ever-growing homeless population.
Congrats to everyone who took awards, and many thanks to our vendors and readers!
Posted by Israel Bayer
