News | October 9th, 2024

FAMU Alumni Michael Lee Share Insights on Sports Journalism at “Behind The Pen” Event

By: Jayla Royal

Florida A&M University is excited to announce that distinguished alumnus Michael Lee will be a featured speaker at the upcoming “Behind The Pen” event on October 10, hosted by WANM-FM 90.5.

Behind The Pen Event Details

The “Behind the Pen” event is part of a speaker series hosted by WANM-FM 90.5, which features professionals and alumni from various media-related fields. Previous sessions have included “Behind the Lens” with 20K Visuals on photography and “Behind the Mic” with Tallahassee sports journalists Josh Berrian, Alison Posey, and Gerald Thomas III. In this session, Lee, a prominent sports journalist, will share his experiences with students, discussing his journey from FAMU to his current role at The Washington Post.

Michael Lee’s Journey at FAMU

Lee’s journey at FAMU laid a solid foundation for his career in journalism. During his time at the FAMUAN, he held a variety of editorial positions, showing his commitment and passion for storytelling. As a freshman, he was named assistant news editor. By his sophomore year, he had become sports editor, and by junior year, he advanced to assistant managing editor. His dedication to covering sports during his time at FAMU became a launchpad for a remarkable career in sports journalism, eventually leading him to become a beat writer for the Washington Wizards.

Accomplishments in Sports Journalism

Over the years, Lee has earned numerous accolades for his contributions to sports media. In 2023, he received the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for his work on the documentary, “The Ones Who Made It”. The film spotlighted the journeys of 26 Black men who became NFL head football coaches. The project, co-produced with The Washington Post’s Senior Producer Jayne Orenstein, featured in-depth interviews with 16 of these coaches, providing a deeper dive into their careers and personal experiences.

In addition to his Murrow Award, Lee was featured in The Year’s Best Sports Writing (2024), received the National Association of Black Journalists’ Sports Story of the Year Award (2009), and won the Associated Press Sports Editors Award for Projects (2022). His career, built on his dedication to authentic storytelling and in-depth reporting, has earned him recognition across the sports journalism industry.

 An Opportunity to Learn from a FAMU Alumnus

The “Behind the Pen” event will provide an opportunity for students and attendees to gain insights into the field of sports journalism. Lee’s career journey, from his time at famu to his role in the media industry, will offer valuable perspectives on the importance of storytelling and dedication to journalism. The event will be held at famu in the School of Journalism, in Lecture Hall 2002, at 6 p.m. For more information and updates follow @famusjgc82 on Instagram.