Academic from Park University Honored with Luxembourg Peace Award
Steve Youngblood, an associate professor of communication arts at Park University, has been honoured with the 2020 Luxembourg Peace Prize for Outstanding Peace Journalism. The award, given by the Schengen Peace Foundation and the World Peace Forum, recognizes journalists or media publications that have used their craft to contribute to peace.
Youngblood, a resident of Parkville, Mo., is the founding director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism at Park University. He has been a member of the university's faculty since 1997, serving as the director of the center and leading efforts to promote peace journalism, a field that focuses on reporting that actively contributes to conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
Youngblood's work in peace journalism has been widely recognized, and he was previously named World Citizen of the Year in 2012. He has also been recognized for his service to global peace by the U.S. Department of State, Rotary International, and the United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City. He serves as editor of The Peace Journalist, a semi-annual Park University publication.
Youngblood's background includes facilitating critical conversations on topics like U.S. foreign aid and global peace issues, emphasizing thoughtful, impartial coverage that encourages peaceful dialogue and understanding among conflicting parties. His award-winning contributions have had an impact on how journalism can move beyond traditional conflict reporting to foster constructive engagement and education about peace, demonstrating the potential of media to influence global peace efforts positively.
While detailed specifics of individual projects or publications linked to his peace journalism are not given, Youngblood's leadership role and recognition by an international peace prize highlight a sustained influence in the peace journalism field, marked by collaboration, education, and advocacy for a journalism that supports peace rather than conflict.
The award ceremony for Youngblood's Luxembourg Peace Prize was originally scheduled for later this month in 2020 but has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The ceremony 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.
Youngblood stated that receiving the award is the honor of his professional lifetime. His work has contributed to peace, as recognized by the Schengen Peace Foundation and the World Peace Forum. Youngblood has taught peace journalism in 27 countries and territories worldwide, including conflict areas.
The award ceremony, though not taking place in Parkville, Mo., is a testament to Youngblood's global impact and commitment to peace journalism. His work continues to inspire and educate journalists and media professionals around the world to use their craft for peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
youngblood's educational focus lies in the realm of education-and-self-development, specifically in the area of peace journalism, which he has been teaching in 27 countries and territories worldwide, including conflict areas. His personal-growth through his dedication to peace journalism has led to the betterment of countless journalists and media professionals globally, as evidenced by his 2020 Luxembourg Peace Prize for Outstanding Peace Journalism.
