Academic from Park University Honored with Luxembourg Peace Accolade
Steve Youngblood, an associate professor at Park University and the director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism, has been awarded the 2020 Luxembourg Peace Prize for Outstanding Peace Journalism. The prestigious honour recognises journalists or media publications that have used their craft to contribute to peace.
Youngblood, a recognised peace journalism expert and the founder of the Centre for Global Peace Journalism, has dedicated his career to promoting journalism that encourages peace-oriented storytelling. His work focuses on making peace visible and supporting approaches that contribute to understanding, de-escalation, and peacebuilding.
The Centre for Global Peace Journalism, an organisation dedicated to supporting journalists in covering peace-related issues and conflict-resolution narratives rather than conflict escalation, was established by Youngblood. His background involves extensive engagement with peace journalism principles, which aim to shift media focus away from violence and conflict sensationalism.
Through his journalism, Youngblood has covered complex conflict and post-conflict issues, including the demobilization and reintegration of former combatants. His work has taken him to various international locations, such as Moldova and Azerbaijan, where he has served as a J. William Fulbright Scholar.
Over the years, Youngblood's impact in the field of peace journalism has been acknowledged by several prestigious recognitions. In 2012, he was honoured as the World Citizen of the Year. He has also received the Luxembourg Peace Prize, which honours his efforts to advance journalism that contributes to peace by changing how news about conflict is reported globally.
Youngblood's passion for peace journalism has led him to teach the subject in 27 countries and territories worldwide, including conflict areas. The ceremony for the award was originally scheduled for this month but has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will now take place on May 28, 2021, as part of the 5th annual Transatlantic Dialogue Conference at the University of Luxembourg in Esch-sur-Alzette.
Upon receiving the award, Youngblood expressed his feelings, stating, "It's the honor of my professional lifetime." The award was given by the Schengen Peace Foundation and the World Peace Forum.
The publication, The Peace Journalist, a semi-annual Park University publication, serves as a platform for Youngblood to share his insights and experiences in peace journalism. The publication is dedicated to disseminating news and information for and about teachers, students, and practitioners of peace and conflict sensitive journalism.
Youngblood resides in Parkville, Mo. His dedication to peace journalism and the impact he has made in the field serve as a testament to his commitment to promoting peace through media.
Youngblood's work with the Center for Global Peace Journalism, dedicated to education-and-self-development in peace journalism, emphasizes personal-growth by shifting media focus away from violence and conflict sensationalism. Through teaching in 27 countries, his efforts have contributed significantly to the advancement of peace journalism.
