Young Cameraman Survives Racism

By: Norine L. SmithRandall K. Blakey. a photojournalist and tape editor at WBBM-TV, Channel 2, points to the nameplate on his mailbox at work: "When I first came to CBS, I remember seeing the word 'nigger' written over my name on my mailbox every day for two weeks." When it first appeared, Blakey said he mentioned it to a colleague, who removed the slur. But it reappeared the next day. He never complained to management, fearing the controversy would hurt him. The incident was five years ago, but racism in the media persists today, he said.

"I feel that there should be more blacks in management positions in the media and until that happens, you simply will not see a rise of blacks hired in the media on an equal basis." he said.

Blakey, 27, thinks minorities are having a harder time finding jobs in the media during the economic recession. "Because of the present economy, it would be hard for anyone who doesn't have natural talent and excellent skills to land a job in the media, but it will be harder for minorities because they would have to be twice as skilled as their (white) counterparts."

Chicago-born Blakey started his career as a photojournalist and tape editor in 1985 at WSMV-TV in Nashville, Tenn., then moved to WISH-TV in Indianapolis. Everywhere he has worked he has been one of only a few black men who held both the position of photojournalist and editor, but he never encountered racism until he came to Chicago.

Black media professionals can be powerful role models, Blakey said. "Given the plight that people of color are in right now, it is extremely important that a black journalist, whenever given the opportunity, use that power for the black community.'

Blakey is a vice president of the Chicago Association of Black journalists, and on the boards of the Dr. Martin Luther King Youth Center in Auburn-Gresham, and the Reach Out and Touch Organization, a non-profit Englewood group that fights drugs and gangs.

A highlight in his career was covering African National Congress President Nelson Mandela's release from prison in Capetown, South Africa. He called it an "emotional experience" to see firsthand what life is Eke for blacks there.

Blakey retreats to his home in Calumet City to get away from daily pressures. His parents, who live in south suburban Glenwood, are education professionals. Blakey considers himself deeply religious.

"Spirituality, as opposed to just the church, should be an important element, not only 'm the black community, but throughout the world," he said.

Blakey did most of the camera work and editing for "The Killing Temple," an expose by Channel 2 reporter Pam Zekman on a West Side minister who was accused of defrauding and endangering her followers. Blakey and a woman producer posed as a married couple at the church. "I didn't want to do the story at first because I would be going undercover in a church in the black community.. and taping with a undercover camera." He said he agreed only after he questioned Zekman about the allegations."

"I wanted to make sure that there was definitely a story there and that some good would come out of the final product."

"We ended up with a good investigative series."