The Pulitzer Project in Kansas: William Allen White and Freedom of Speech

In 1922, William Allen White published “To an Anxious Friend,” an  impassioned  defense of  the freedom of speech during trying times. For this he won the Pulitzer Prize, the first Kansan to do so. To celebrate 100 years of the Pulitzer Prizes and commemorate White’s call to protect free expression, the Kansas Humanities Council is hosting a series of lectures, panel discussions and writing workshops that explore the importance of free speech in today’s society.

Using the humanities to bridge journalism, law, history, public administration, information science and art, KHC’s statewide project will explore the many facets of this inalienable right. In this presentation, Stephen Wolgast, Miller School of Journalism at Kansas State University, will bridge events in journalism today with those in White’s time and explore why a healthy democracy requires a free press. Community newspapers across Kansas will be provided with opportunities to participate in this important, year-long project.