Erica Ifill, a freelance journalist was recently honored with the Tara Singh Hayer Memorial Award given by the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE). She received the award at a gala fundraising event held by CJFE. The Canadian Journalists for Free Expression is an organization that works to defend and protect free expression and press freedom. Erica and the two journalists who had received the award along with her, Saba Eitizaz of Toronto Star and Rachel Gilmore of Global News were the targets of online abuse and hate campaigns. They received the award for resolutely fighting back through their news organizations and online platforms like Twitter. In 2022, they had written an open letter to the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, which was signed by 48 media organizations.
Erica wears multiple hats. She is not only an award winning journalist but is also an economist and Chief Policy Expert at Not in My Color. Dealing mainly with economic, tech and public policy, Not in My Colour is an advocacy group that seeks to redress the gaps in traditional policy through the lens of an intersectional approach focusing on the needs of the vulnerable and the marginalized. She is also the founder and co-host of the Bad + Bitchy podcast which serves as a platform for deep dive discussions on current topics related to digital media, politics, policy and pop culture.
Commenting on her award, Erica Ifill said, “I have received death threats and been the target of systematic campaigns of online abuse. They made me feel vulnerable, anxious, depressed and confused. This hate was directed at me mainly due to my advocacy initiatives as part of which I speak up for those who lack a voice. The one lesson I have learned through this is that silence and obedience does not keep you safe or invisible to attacks. I am hoping that this award will encourage others who are also working on behalf of those who are marginalized. With this award being given during Black History Month and Women's History Month being marked in March, this award could not have come at a better time.” Erica added, “I encourage media outlets to develop a response to co-ordinated hate attacks on their most vulnerable journalists.”
About Not in My Colour:
Not in My Colour is a research and analysis consultancy that supports advocacy work. The organization was set up with the goal of remedying the limitations of traditional policy through the use of an intersectional approach that focuses on the needs of those who are marginalized and vulnerable. The Bad + Bitchy podcast supports the work of Not in My Colour, through knowledge transfer.
Media Contact:
Name: Erica Ifill
Email id: connect@notinmycolour.com
Published by: Omar Hamdi